Information, parenting, and childhood development.
Contributors: University of Toronto. Faculty of Information Studies.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 119
Subjects: Parents -- Information services.; Child development -- Information services.; Child rearing -- Information services.
Description: In conjunction with the Government of Ontario's Early Years Plan, The County of Dufferin, an expanding suburban community northwest of the Greater Toronto Area, established various programs in the late 1990s to disseminate new information about early child development. Using survey methodology, the present study uses Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory to assess the efficacy of these programs by measuring the degree to which parents have knowledge about new developments in child-rearing practices and their attitudes towards such practices. Level of education was related to the types and frequency of channels of information dissemination accessed. The most frequent use of formal channels (parenting programs) and informal channels (objects) was reported by parents who are working 10 hours or less per week. Programs designed to educate parents about child-rearing need to focus more on emotional support, confidence building, and cultivation of a positive attitude than on factual knowledge.
Notes: Adviser: Claire Beghtol.

Thesis (M.I.St.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, page: 1923.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).