June 23, 2011. (Romereports.com) How much do parents or even teenagers know about the importance of family dynamics and its influence? The Institute of Family Sciences in Piura, Peru decided to look into this and other questions in scientific terms.


Paúl Corcuera
Director Instituto de Ciencias para la Familia, Universidad de Piura (Peru)
“The family unit isn't an island, that's separated from everything else. What happens within the family has a direct effect in the workforce. It's something we have to measure. It not only affect's one's life in the workforce but also society as a whole.”


The institute has taken on several investigations that deal with teenagers, parenting and family life in today's modern time. One of the investigations concluded that parents, not peers have the biggest influence on teen's lives. They want to see their parents as role models, not as friends.

Paúl Corcuera
Director Instituto de Ciencias para la Familia, Universidad de Piura (Peru)
“The role of parents is key. Even though it seems like parents are loosing control in today's world, youths still believe that their parent's opinion is very important. They do take it into account.”



One of the studies is based on the life style of 3,000 youths from 13 to 18 years old. The findings showed that their family structure had a direct effect on their school work and also their lives in general. Instilling values in them from early on also had an impact.


Paúl Corcuera
Director Instituto de Ciencias para la Familia, Universidad de Piura (Peru)
“When youngsters have a strong family foundation, then they will be better citizens, with clearer ideas. They'll also be able to offer a lot more to society. That entire process needs to start with a strong family unit.”


The institute has shared some of its findings with  government agencies and other family institutes.  Even though these studies have been done in Peru, some of findings seem to be universal.
Similar studies have also been done in Argentina, Italy, Spain and Colombia. The Institute will also share its findings with the Whiterspoon Institute in Princeton, New Jersey.

KLH
AM
-PR