Citation

Jinnah HA, Stoneman Z. J. Agromed. 2016; 21(3): 244-252.

Affiliation

a Institute on Human Development and Disability, University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1059924X.2016.1179610

PMID

27135252

Abstract

Farm youth continue to experience high rates of injuries and premature deaths as a result of agricultural activities. Increased parental permissiveness is positively associated with many different types of high-risk behavior in youth. This study explored whether permissive parenting (fathering and mothering) predicts youth unsafe behaviors on the farm. Data were analyzed for 67 youth and their parents. Families were recruited from a statewide farm publication, through youth organizations (i.e. FFA), local newspapers, farmer referrals, and through the Cooperative Extension Network. Hierarchical multiple regression was completed.

RESULTS revealed that fathers and mothers who practiced lax-inconsistent disciplining were more likely to have youth who indulged in unsafe farm behaviors. Key hypotheses confirmed that permissive parenting (lax-inconsistent disciplining) by parents continued to predict youth unsafe farm behaviors, even after youth age, youth gender, youth personality factor of risk taking, and father's unsafe behaviors(a measure associated with modeling) were all taken into account. A key implication is that parents may play an important role in influencing youth farm safety behaviors. Parents (especially fathers) need to devote time to discuss farm safety with their youth. Farm safety interventions need to involve parents as well as address and respect the culture and values of families. Interventions need to focus not only on safe farm practices, but also promote positive parenting practices, including increased parent-youth communication about safety, consistent disciplining strategies, increased monitoring and modeling of safe farm behaviors by parents.

Language: en