The relationship of mental health and family factors to parental involvement in their children's education among Latina mothers

Abstract

Research indicates that parental involvement in their children's education is beneficial to children, families, schools, and communities. Some research has suggested that Latinos may be less involved in their children's education, especially on school campuses, while other studies have found that Latinos are involved in their children's education in different, less traditional ways. This study investigated the relationships among mental health, family factors, and parental involvement in children's education among 43 Latina mothers of elementary school children. The findings suggested somewhat low involvement in their children's education but the most involvement occurred in home-related activities. These women showed little indication of stress and depression and these items were not significantly related to their involvement. Mothers' age and number of children were negatively related to some types of parental involvement while length of time in the United States was somewhat positively related to involvement in school-site activities. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.