1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The relationship between parental values and adolescent development has been a significant area of study in developmental psychology for several decades. Early research on family influence on child development predominantly focused on parenting styles and the general behavioral outcomes for children. However, the specific role of parental values in shaping adolescents' success orientation began to gain attention in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly with the emergence of motivation theory and the exploration of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivators. In the 1980s, scholars began exploring the notion that parental values extend beyond the provision of material support and discipline; they also include guiding principles that affect how children approach goals, success, and failure.
According to Schwartz (2017), success orientation is a key aspect of adolescent development, reflecting an individual's drive and determination to achieve goals, succeed academically, and perform well in personal and professional endeavors. The values ingrained in adolescents play a pivotal role in shaping their success orientation. Parental value systems are the foundational beliefs and principles that parents instill in their children, which significantly impact their behavior, attitudes, and outlook on success (Schwartz, 2017). In the context of adolescence, this influence is crucial, as it helps to shape an adolescent's understanding of achievement, self-worth, and the strategies they employ in pursuing their goals.
Parents are typically the primary role models during the early stages of life and their value system often determines how adolescents perceive success. For instance, parents who emphasize the importance of education, hard work, and perseverance often inspire their children to internalize these values and adopt them as guiding principles in their quest for success (Berk, 2013).
Dweck (2006) stated that, the parental value system encompasses the beliefs, cultural practices, and norms that parents pass down to their children. These values influence how children approach life's challenges, including academic and career pursuits, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth. For instance, parents who emphasize the importance of effort, perseverance, and a growth mindset tend to raise children who view challenges as opportunities for development rather than obstacles (Dweck, 2006). In contrast, parents who emphasize achievement through external measures, such as financial success or social status, may encourage a more materialistic and performance-driven orientation in their children (Kasser & Ryan, 1993).
Studies have shown that parental values directly impact an adolescent's success orientation. Success orientation refers to an individual's internal drive to achieve personal and academic goals, which can be influenced by the motivational climate created by the family environment (Eccles et al., 2003). Adolescents with parents who emphasize intrinsic values like personal development, curiosity, and lifelong learning are likely to develop a strong internal motivation for success. On the other hand, those with parents who prioritize extrinsic success markers, such as academic grades or professional status, may be driven by external rewards rather than intrinsic fulfillment (Ryan & Deci, 2000). In many cultures, the parental value system is deeply rooted in socio-economic conditions, traditions, and societal expectations, which further affects the expectations placed on adolescents. Therefore, this study aims to explore the influence of parental value systems on the success orientation of adolescents.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the role of parents in shaping the values and attitudes of their children has long been recognized as a critical factor in child development. However, the specific ways in which parental values influence adolescents' success orientation remain insufficiently explored, particularly in the context of contemporary challenges faced by young people. Adolescence is a period of self-discovery and the formation of personal goals, making it a critical phase for understanding how early influences, especially from parents, affect success-driven behaviors. Parental values instill a framework through which adolescents define and pursue success, yet the complexity of these influences is not always fully acknowledged in current research.
Furthermore, parents' beliefs about what constitutes success whether academic achievement, financial stability, or personal fulfillment directly shape how adolescents approach their own goals and aspirations. In many cases, parents who emphasize extrinsic rewards, such as high grades or material success, may inadvertently foster a success orientation focused on external validation (Ryan & Deci, 2000). On the other hand, parents who prioritize intrinsic values, such as personal growth and emotional resilience, tend to cultivate a healthier success orientation in their children, characterized by perseverance and a love for learning (Dweck, 2006). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these gaps by investigating the influence of various parental value systems on the success orientation of adolescents.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The primary aim of this study is to explore the influence of parental value systems on the success orientation of adolescents. To achieve this aim, the study will focus on the following objectives:
- To examine the different parental value systems prevalent in various families and their impact on adolescents' motivation to achieve success.
- To investigate how parental emphasis on intrinsic values, such as personal growth and effort, influences adolescents' success orientation.
- To analyze the effect of extrinsic values, such as material success or social status, on adolescents' approach to achieving success.
- To assess the role of parental support, encouragement, and expectations in shaping the success-related behaviors and goals of adolescents.
- To explore whether socio-cultural factors, such as socio-economic status or cultural background, influence the way parental values affect adolescents' success orientation.
- To evaluate the relationship between parental values and adolescents' coping strategies, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenges related to success.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the following research questions are formulated to guide this study:
- What are the prevalent parental value systems in various families, and how do they influence adolescents' motivation to achieve success?
- How does the emphasis on intrinsic values, such as personal growth and effort, by parents affect adolescents' success orientation?
- In what ways do extrinsic values, such as material success or social status, influence adolescents' approach to achieving success?
- How do parental support, encouragement, and expectations shape adolescents' success-related behaviors and goals?
- How do socio-cultural factors, such as socio-economic status or cultural background, affect the influence of parental values on adolescents' success orientation?
- What is the relationship between parental values and adolescents' coping strategies, perseverance, and resilience in facing challenges related to success?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Based on the objectives of the study, the following hypotheses will be tested:
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the parental value system and adolescents' success orientation, implying that parental values do not significantly influence adolescents' motivation, goal-setting, or resilience.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the parental value system and adolescents' success orientation, implying that parental values do not significantly influence adolescents' motivation, goal-setting, or resilience.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There are no significant extrinsic values on adolescents' approach towards achieving success.
- H1: There are significant extrinsic values on adolescents' approach towards achieving success.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research study will be significant for parents, educators, and policymakers who are invested in promoting healthy success-driven behaviors in young people. Additionally, this research will be beneficial for counseling professionals and educators by offering strategies to help guide adolescents in developing a balanced and sustainable approach to success.
Lastly, this research study will contribute to the development of programs and interventions aimed at promoting more effective and supportive parental engagement in adolescents' success journeys.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study will focus on the influence of parental value systems on the success orientation of adolescents within Lagos State, Nigeria. The research will target adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18, attending secondary schools across various urban and suburban areas within the state.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Parental Value System:
Parental value system refers to the set of beliefs, principles, and priorities that parents uphold and impart to their children. These values influence how parents view success, discipline, personal growth, and achievement. The value system of parents shapes how they approach their children's education, career choices, and personal development, providing a framework for guiding their children's behaviors and attitudes towards life and success (Berk, 2013).
Success Orientation:
Success orientation is the mindset or attitude an individual develops toward achieving personal goals, both academically and in other aspects of life. It reflects an individual's motivation, ambition, and focus on achieving success through effort, perseverance, and goal-setting. Success orientation often encompasses the values one places on hard work, achievement, and overcoming obstacles (Zimmerman, 2002).
Adolescents:
Adolescents are individuals in the stage of development between childhood and adulthood, typically ranging in age from 12 to 18 years. This stage is characterized by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. During adolescence, individuals experience increased independence, peer influence, and the formation of personal identities, all of which can influence their motivations and behaviors, including their approach to success (Santrock, 2011).
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