The Role of Self-Concept in the Relation Between Parenting Styles and Attitudes About Romantic Relationships

• In Event: 28.056 - Critical Issues in Social-Emotional Development and Well-Being of Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between parenting styles, perceived self-concept, and adolescent attitudes about romantic relationships among Chinese adolescents. A survey of 729 high school students in Macau was carried out to collect information on the degree to which they perceived their fathers and mothers as demanding or responsive, their general self-concept, and their attitudes about romantic relationships.Structural Equation Modeling found that both fathers’ and mothers’ responsiveness was positively associated with adolescents’ perceived self-concept, which in turn contributed positively to their attitudes toward romantic relationships. In addition, mothers’ demandingness could be linked to adolescent positive attitudes toward romantic relationship both directly and indirectly through a more positive self-concept.

Author

• Wei-Wen Chen, University of Macau