Effects of Asian cultural values on parenting style and young children’s perceived competence: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Authoritarian parenting has long been associated with Western individualism and improved child development. This study examined the relationship between cultural values, parenting styles, and children’s perceived competence in Hong Kong. A total of 48 parents from local Chinese families, 49 parents from South Asian families, and 105 children (24 local Chinese and 81 South Asian) aged 5–6 years participated in the study. Self-report questionnaires on adherence to Asian cultural values and parenting style were administered to parents. The Pictorial Survey on Children’s Perceived Competence was administered to children by trained research assistants. The results contradicted two long-standing assumptions on Asian cultural values and parenting styles. First, higher adherence to Asian cultural values increased the likelihood of having an authoritarian parenting style. Second, authoritative parenting practices were more likely be associated with improved social–emotional competence in children. Multiple regression analyzes revealed a strong positive correlation between Asian cultural values and authoritative parenting style (R2 = 0.597). There was no association between parenting style and the development of competence in young children. However, a positive correlation was found between Asian cultural values and young children’s perceived competence. This study showed that components of collectivism and humility in Asian cultural values could have functional values that are essential for developing competencies in South Asian young children but not in local Chinese young children. This study discussed the implications of cultural values sin the terms of contextualization, functional relevance of cultural values for ethnic minorities, and ideal parenting practices.

Parenting styles and personal belief in a just world among Chinese children and adolescents: gender, living location, and age as moderators

“…The negative association between authoritarian parenting and children and adolescents' PBJW was stronger in urban regions compared to rural regions. This is because children and adolescents are more likely to show higher levels of acceptance of authoritarian parenting style in areas where collectivism and traditional culture are strong (Chen and Li, 2012 ; Yim, 2022 ; Ali et al, 2023 ).…”

The impact of Parental Depression on Adolescent Children's Psychological Well- being and Health Behaviors

“…In addition, severe and prolonged depressive symptoms in parents may interfere with their ability to ful l their parenting role, leading to withdrawal or intrusiveness, which may exacerbate depression and stress in adolescents [32][33][34]. Finally, as social factors, the burden of meeting parental expectations and parental interference in academic matters may be signi cant stressors for adolescents in Asian countries [35].…”

Mindful parenting and child behaviour problems: A chain mediating role of parental and child communicating performance

“…Thus, mindful parenting, is an effective parenting style that can potentially mitigate child behaviour problems. Traditionally, Chinese parenting styles have often adhered to a strict approach, emphasizing physical discipline and stern verbal reprimands as expressions of care and love (Chao, 1994;Yim, 2022). Mothers upholding Chinese values are more prone to adopt an authoritarian parenting style (Xu et al, 2005), in contrast to the principles of mindful parenting.…”