Parenting Practices and Child Behaviour Problems in Hong Kong: Knowledge of Effective Parenting Strategies, Parenting Stress, and Child-Rearing Ideologies

The present study examined the effects of knowledge of effective parenting strategies, parenting stress and Chinese child-rearing ideologies, on parenting practices and child behaviour problems among Hong Kong Chinese parents. Parents of children aged between 2 and 10 years were recruited through a selection of kindergartens and primary schools across Hong Kong. A total of 106 Hong Kong Chinese parents (76 % mothers and 24 % fathers) participated in the study by completing an online questionnaire. Parents ranged in age from 25 to 53 years (M=37.25; SD=5.65). Key outcome measures examined in the present study include parental nurturance, dysfunctional parenting and child behaviour problems. Findings revealed that parenting stress was the strongest predictor of parental nurturance, dysfunctional parenting and child behaviour problems. Chinese child-rearing ideologies did not predict any parental behaviour or child behaviour. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.