Parenting style and parental play belief among Hong Kong Chinese parents : the moderating role of Chinese child-rearing ideologies

Abstract

Play is an essential part of childhood that brings not only joy, but also developmental benefits to children. The present study examined the relationships among parenting styles, Chinese child-rearing ideologies, and parental play beliefs among Hong Kong Chinese parents. Parents with children aged between three and eight years old were recruited through email. A total of 146 Hong Kong Chinese parents (65% mothers) participated in the study by completing an online survey. Results indicated that authoritative parenting was positively correlated with parental play beliefs, while authoritarian parenting style was negative correlated with parental play beliefs. Furthermore, Chinese child-rearing ideologies moderated the relationship between authoritarian parenting and parent’s endorsement of the distinction between academic activities and play (academic focus subscale under Parental Play Beliefs Scale). The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.