Understanding the Role of Older Sibling Support in the Science Motivation of Latinx Adolescents

Authors

  • Kayla Puente University of California, Irvine
  • Sandra D. Simpkins University of California, Irvine

Keywords:

familism, STEM, motivation, self-concept, task-value, science, Latinx, adolescents, sibling

Abstract

Based on the expectancy-value theory, cultural microsystem model, and family systems theory, this study aimed to understand (a) the extent to which Latinx older siblings’ support predicted the high school science motivational beliefs of their younger adolescent sibling, and (b) whether these relations varied based on older siblings’ familism values and gender. This study included data on 104 Latinx adolescents in 9th grade and their older siblings. Quantitative regression analyses indicated that older siblings with high familism values were more likely to provide higher support. Older siblings’ support did not predict science self-concept or task value for all youth; however, this relation was significant when the older sibling’s familism values were high. Older sibling gender was unrelated to any indicators in this study. These findings suggest that familism values may play a significant positive role in Latinx sibling dyads, with older siblings who are more connected to their family serving as a significant resource to promote science motivation among their younger siblings.

Author Biographies

  • Kayla Puente, University of California, Irvine
    Graduate student at the School of Education
  • Sandra D. Simpkins, University of California, Irvine
    Professor at the School of Education

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Published

31-01-2020

Issue

Section

Special Issue: Re-imagining who does STEM

How to Cite

Understanding the Role of Older Sibling Support in the Science Motivation of Latinx Adolescents. (2020). International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, 11(3), 405-428. https://genderandset.open.ac.uk/index.php/genderandset/article/view/661