Perceived Parental Control in Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong: A Three-Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Utilizing a longitudinal research design, perceived parental control in 2,559 Chinese adolescents over three con- secutive years was examined by measures of indigenous Chinese parental control concepts (Chinese Paternal Control Scale: CPCS; Chinese Maternal Control Scale: CMCS). The relationships between CPCS and CMCS and measures of pa- rental control and parent-child relational qualities were also investigated. Although Chinese parents had high expectations about their children, they were not strict in parental discipline. The CPCS and CMCS scores were significantly correlated with measures of parental control and perceived parental endorsement of traditional Chinese parenting beliefs in early adolescent years. While CPCS and CMCS had weak concurrent and prospective relationships with parent-child relational qualities measures, the observed relationships were moderated by parental psychological control. The theoretical and prac- tical implications of the findings are discussed.