An Exploration of Mothers’ Beliefs, Expectations, and Behaviors Regarding Young African American Children’s Early School Experiences and Success

2020 ◽  
pp. 009579842097189
Author(s):  
Chavez Phelps ◽  
Linda L. Sperry
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
School Experiences ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Ecological Systems Theory ◽  
African American Mothers ◽  
Early School ◽  
Family Routine ◽  
And Behaviors

We explored mothers’ beliefs, expectations, and behaviors as these relate to early academic success, their roles as parents to young children, and the influence of other ecological factors. Eleven African American mothers of children in kindergarten through third grades were interviewed twice with daily journaling for 2 weeks. Utilizing both Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Spencer’s phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory as our primary theoretical underpinnings, results were interpreted emphasizing contextual, cultural, and personal characteristics that may serve as protective or risk contributors during children’s education. As mothers defined their contributions to the early academic success of their children, related themes emerged from the data including the significance of parent involvement, family routine and cohesiveness, the availability of resources, and racial issues. Findings provide a contextualized cultural understanding of African American mothers’ beliefs and their potential influence on their children’s early school experiences and how these beliefs are enacted in structured and intentional ways.

Recruiting African American Children for Research: An Ecological Systems Theory Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1489-1521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Graves ◽  
Jane P. Sheldon
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Ecological Systems Theory ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
African American Children ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
American Children

With health disparities still pervasive and persistent in the United States, medical researchers and social scientists continue to develop recruitment strategies to increase the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority groups in research and interventions. Effective methods for recruiting samples of African American participants for pediatric research may be best understood when situated within an overarching conceptual model—one that serves to organize and explain effective recruitment strategies. A theoretical framework well suited for this purpose is Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which views individuals as influencing and being influenced by (both directly and indirectly) a series of interconnected social systems. Based on the ecological systems theory and on previous research from multiple domains (e.g., medicine, psychology, public health, social work), in the current article, we review strategies for effective recruitment of African American children and adolescents for research.

scholarly journals Colorectal cancer screening in Uruguay: current assessment and roadmap for the future

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Micaela Reich ◽  
Lydia P. Buki
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Screening ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Ecological Systems Theory ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research

AbstractCancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and is expected to remain a public health concern for years to come. Within Latin America, Uruguay has the highest colorectal cancer rates. Heeding past calls to action, in this article we provide a critical assessment of colorectal cancer needs and opportunities in Uruguay with a focus on developing a roadmap for future action. First, we provide an overview of risk factors, screening procedures and guidelines, and screening rates. Next, we provide an overview of psychosocial factors that influence colorectal cancer screening, with the goal of providing guidance for future behavioral health promotion initiatives in Uruguay. In this effort, we present four conceptual models that may be used for interventions: the ecological systems theory, informed decision-making, the health beliefs model, and the health literacy model. Subsequently, we propose using an integrated model based on the ecological systems theory and health literacy model to develop national, local, and community-based interventions to increase screening rates and lower the colorectal cancer burden in Uruguay. We close the paper with a summary and implications section, including recommendations for future research programs focused on the assessment of factors that influence screening.

scholarly journals COVID-19, Remote Teaching, and the School Ecosystem: a Delicate Relationship

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91
Author(s):  
A. Hedlund
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Ecological Systems Theory

The paper explores the current situation with remote teaching in schools in Brazil from the perspective of ecological systems theory and school ecosystem. The situation is analysed from the viewpoints of the main stakeholders: children, parents, teachers and school managers. The author describes typical questions that the stakeholders raise in Brazil and offers answers. Advice is also offered on what can be done by the stakeholders to keep the ecosystem balanced.

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