Published in:
Research on Social Work Practice, 21 (2011) 4, Seite 442-451
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1177/1049731510389079
ISSN:
1049-7315;
1552-7581
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
Objectives: Using baseline survey data, the study examined self-efficacy of 381 lower-income parents who had opportunities to build financial assets for their children by opening college savings accounts in a human service agency. Methods: Of the study sample, 62% of the parents decided to open accounts while 38% did not. Structural equation modeling for multiple group models was performed. Results: There were few demographic differences between the groups. The measurement model was invariant across parents who decided or did not decide to open accounts, fitting the data for both account openers and nonopeners, χ2(450, n = 381) = 804.60, p < .001, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .070(.063—.073), Non-Normed Fit Index [NNFI] = 0.93, Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.93). Conclusions: Results lend some support to institutional perspective on saving. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.