Fears of children and adolescents and their relation to individual characteristics and contextual factors: A cross-sequential study

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Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Eğitim Fakültesi, Eğitim Bilimleri Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2018

Öğrenci: BEGÜM SERİM YILDIZ

Danışman: ÖZGÜR ERDUR BAKER

Özet:

The purpose of the present study was to compare fears of children and adolescents from different age populations (2010-2017) and generations (1999-2002) through a cross- sequential design (a combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal designs) and to examine the relationship between the life events experienced by same age population over years. The sample of the study consisted of two data sets from 2010 with 1315 children and adolescents (642 female and 673 male) and 2017 with 1248 children and adolescents (611 female and 637 male). Turkish version of Fear Survey Schedule (FSSC-TR), checklist of life events and a demographic information form were used to collect data. To reach the aims of the study, after confirming previously suggested factor structure for FSSC-TR (Serim, 2010), contemporary fears of Turkish children and adolescents with regard to gender, age and SES; change in the fears of children with regard to data collection year; most common fears for age, gender and SES groups; change in the fears of childrens with regard to birth cohorts and relationship of children’s fears to life events were examined. Results showed changes in fears of children. Although religious fears are still common, frequency of endorsement of terror- related items are in an increase which is an evidence of the impact of cultural practices as well as the negative life events the society experiencing.