How do families foster reslience & well-being?

This research aims to uncover the different ways that parents and children respond to the inevitable challenges of life. We know that different strategies work for different people in different contexts. So, rather than identifying the way families should be resilient, our study aims to identify how different ways of feeling, thinking and behaving work for different parents, children and contexts. And, because families are so important, our study is looking at what parents do, what children do, and what parents and children do together that fosters resilience and well-being.

This research is being conducted as part of a collaboration between the ELLA Early Learning Lab, led by Dr Annette Henderson and the REACH Relationship Lab, led by Associate Professor Nickola Overall. This project will involve over 250 families, and track parents and children’s health and well-being across time.

 

          

We are looking for families to participate in this research, including both parents and their children aged between 4-5 years. Families must be living together, and participation will involve two research sessions:

Phase 1: The first phase will take place when your child is 4-5 years old. Participation will involve both parents completing an online questionnaire, and then families attending a lab-based session at the University of Auckland. Families will receive $180 for their time.

Phase 2: The second phase will occur one year later. Parents will complete an online questionnaire, and one parent and their child will attend a lab-based session. Families will receive $120 for their time.

We know families are busy. To accommodate your schedule, we can run research sessions throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. If you are interested in participating, or want to hear more about what’s involved, send an email to familyresearch@auckland.ac.nz for more information.

You are eligible to participate in this study if:

  • – You and/or your partner have a child aged between 4-5 years old
  • – You and your partner are living with your child
  • – You have been living with your partner for at least 1 year
  • – English is your family’s main language of communication
  • – Your child does not have a diagnosed social or cognitive impairment

To participate or find out more, simply register your interest here or send an email to familyresearch@auckland.ac.nz and answer the following questions:

  1. – What is your child’s birth date and gender?
  2. – How long have you been living with your current partner?
  3. – Does your child live with you and your current partner?
  4. – Do you and your family speak English at home?