Summary
This longitudinal study of 4,315 Chinese elementary school children examined how perceived parental warmth (maternal and paternal) predicted prosocial and delinquent behaviours through self-esteem, using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models to disentangle between- and within-person effects. The findings revealed reciprocal associations, with perceived parental warmth positively predicting prosocial behaviour and self-esteem, whilst paternal warmth negatively predicted delinquent behaviour. Self-esteem mediated these associations, with differing patterns observed for maternal versus paternal warmth.
Regional applicability
This study is conducted in China and examines parent-child relationships and social development in a Chinese cultural context. The findings may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom educational and clinical practice, though the longitudinal methods and within-person analytic approach could inform similar research designs in UK child development studies. Cross-cultural validation would be needed before generalising conclusions to UK populations.
Key measures
Perceived maternal and paternal warmth, self-esteem, prosocial behaviour, delinquent behaviour, measured at four time points over 18 months
Outcomes reported
The study examined longitudinal relations among perceived parental warmth, children's self-esteem, and prosocial and delinquent behaviours using cross-lagged panel models. It distinguished between-person and within-person effects and explored self-esteem as a mediator.
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