Adolescent–parent attachment as a mediator of relations between parenting and adolescent social behavior and wellbeing in China

Keywords

autonomy, attachment, self-esteem, parenting, Chinese

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine links between parenting dimensions (authoritative parenting, psychological control, and parental authority) and adolescent wellbeing (self‐esteem, autonomy, and peer attachments) as mediated by parent–teen attachment, among Chinese families. The sample included 298 Chinese adolescents, ages 15–18 years (M age = 16.36, SD = .68; 60% female). The mediation model was examined using path analyses (one model with parental authority as overprotection, and one with it as perceived behavioral control). To improve model fit a direct path was added from authoritative parenting to autonomy. Authoritative parenting was positively predictive of attachment, while psychological control and overprotection (but not behavioral control) were negative predictors. In turn, adolescent–parent attachment was positively related to the three outcomes. Lastly, the model paths did not differ by adolescent gender. These findings suggest that parenting behaviors may play a crucial role in adolescent social behaviors and wellbeing via adolescent–parent attachment.

Original Publication Citation

*Cai, M., Hardy, S. A., Olsen, J. A., Nelson, D. A., & Yamawaki, N. (2013). Adolescent-parent attachment as a mediator of relations between parenting and adolescent social behavior and wellbeing in China. International Journal of Psychology, 48, 1185-1190.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014-02-05

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7366

Publisher

International Journal of Psychoology

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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