Maternal Control Strategies and Social Functioning in Chinese Preschoolers: The Moderating Effect of Child Surgency

ABSTRACT Research Findings: Parental control is considered to be an important aspect of parenting. However, the meaning and the function of parental control are still controversial, especially when the cultural context is considered. The purpose of the present research was to explore the meaning and the function of parental control in Chinese culture. The participants were 189 preschoolers at age 4 to 5 and their mothers and teachers from Shanghai, China. Mothers were interviewed about the control strategies they utilize when they need to exert control over their children. Information on child surgency, compliance, and aggression was obtained from mothers and teachers. Chinese mothers reported control strategies that were classified into six categories. It was found that coercive behavioral control was most frequently used. Coercive behavioral control was negatively associated with child compliance and positively associated with child aggression. Other forms of control strategies and their links to child compliance and aggression were also examined. The role of child surgency in moderating the effects of maternal control strategies on child compliance and aggression was discussed. Practice or Policy: The present study highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural meaning of parental control.