The pathways to assent in early childhood research
What do parents of young children want
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21686161 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Michelle P Kelly (0000-0001-9235-7389, Emirates College for Advanced Education, corresponding author), Sarah C Mead Jasperse (0000-0001-9196-2210, Emirates College for Advanced Education), Dean Cairns (0000-0002-5262-868X, Emirates College for Advanced Education), Victoria Nguyen (0009-0001-8191-0908, Emirates College for Advanced Education), Shannon N Ward (0000-0002-9828-3795, Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education Operated by The New England Center for Children) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 342-361 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-04 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | European Early Childhood Education Research Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1350-293X • E-ISSN: 1752-1807 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/1350293x.2025.2511823 |
| OpenAlex | W4411004908 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 36 |
Assent refers to the willingness to participate in a specific activity, such as research, by someone who cannot legally provide consent. In early childhood development (ECD) research, seeking assent is often flexible and not a legal requirement. This study used a mixed methods approach to explore parents’ perspectives on assent procedures. A relational communication pathways model is presented for obtaining authentic assent from children aged 0-8, emphasizing the triadic relationship between parent, researcher, and child. A bilingual (Arabic and English) online survey was completed by 490 parents (87% mothers, 13% fathers) in the United Arab Emirates. Findings showed that 86% of respondents preferred researchers to seek assent from their child, and 67% would respect their child’s dissent. However, 50% would try to convince their child to continue if the research had already begun. Participants emphasized the importance of ongoing communication and relationship-building efforts for successful engagement with young children
Child development · Developmental psychology · Early childhood · Early childhood education · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Children's Rights and Participation · Early Childhood Education and Development · Psychology
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Reflecting on three creative approaches to informed consent with children under six
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| Citations per year | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |