Parents’ optimism and values for the future of their children
Keywords:
Optimism, Parents, ValuesAbstract
Objective
We explored the relationship between optimism and values parents expect for their children’s future. Understanding which values associates with optimism is relevant to research on child rearing practices.
Method
Brazilian mothers and fathers (n = 127) of children from zero to 12 years old participated in the study. Participants filled out the LOT-R for dispositional optimism and the Values for the Future of Children. We used thematic analysis to treat the chosen values, and the justifications provided.
Results
Parents preferred faith, honesty, and fairness to other groups of values. Group comparisons were carried out. Optimism did not differ significantly between parents that chose faith, fairness, and honesty, but differed between faith and compassion, and faith and autonomy and determination.
Conclusion
Results indicate faith has been receiving more attention from parents and is considered an important value for their children’s future. We compare the results with similar studies and indicate future paths for research.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Luciana Karine Souza, Sophia Beylouni Santos Martínez, Nathália Pereira Silva, Sofia Silva, Letícia Backes Schreiner, Gustavo Gauer
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