The Role of Parental Involvement in Extracurricular Activities – Results of a Questionnaire Survey in Five Countries of the Carpathian Basin

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Published: Apr 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14232/iskkult.2026.3-4.22
Keywords:
extracurricular activities, effectiveness, parental involvement

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Zsófia Miklódi-Simon
Debreceni Egyetem, Gyermeknevelési és Gyógypedagógiai Kar, Szociálpedagógiai Tanszék, MTA-DE Jövőtudatosság fejlesztése Kutatócsoport
Klára Kovács-Nagy
Debreceni Egyetem Bölcsészettudományi Kar, Neveléstudományi Tanszék, Nevelés- és Művelődéstudományi Intézet, MTA-DE Jövőtudatosság fejlesztése Kutatócsoport

Abstract

The aim of the research was to examine parental involvement and the participation of students in higher education in extracurricular activities, with particular regard to socio-economic background and gender differences. During the questionnaire-based data collection, we examined 1,336 university students from five countries in the Carpathian Basin using quantitative methods. The analysis was based on Epstein’s six-dimensional model of parental involvement. The results showed that parents’ educational attainment, financial situation, and patterns of involvement significantly influence students’ extracurricular activities. Women participate in vocational college programs at a higher rate, while men tend to participate in sports club activities. Active parental support significantly increases the participation of disadvantaged students. Based on cluster analysis, we identified four types of parental involvement that differ markedly in the extent of extracurricular activity. Our results confirm previous research findings that parental involvement is one of the most decisive factors not only in school performance but also in students’ participation in extracurricular activities, especially when that involvement is supportive and cooperative in nature.

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How to Cite
Miklódi-Simon, Z., & Kovács-Nagy, K. (2026). The Role of Parental Involvement in Extracurricular Activities: – Results of a Questionnaire Survey in Five Countries of the Carpathian Basin. Iskolakultúra, 36(3-4), 22–45. https://doi.org/10.14232/iskkult.2026.3-4.22
Issue
Vol. 36 No. 3-4 (2026)
Section
Study

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