'Tiger Moms' may scar kids

Posted on September 24, 2014

University of California, Riverside, researchers discovered the strict Chinese parenting style that advocates less support and more punitive parent techniques might lead to low self-esteem and school adjustment difficulties in children. This parenting style may even leave children vulnerable to depression and problem behaviors.

Previous research has shown that Chinese parents are less likely to show support for their children through affection. Instead, they express support through efforts to control and govern their youngsters. The study refutes the idea that the traditional, strict “Chinese” upbringing, which gained widespread attention in the book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” by Amy Chua, is superior.

Findings from the sample of Chinese students in this study indicate that when parents exert strong psychological control over their children, it leads to problem behavior, low self-esteem, low grades among the children, and negative adolescent adjustment.

This study emphasises the importance for Chinese parents, who tend to be less emotionally expressive and use less praise in parenting, to show their approval, love, and support for their children.

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Category(s):Child Development, Parenting

Source material from Psych Central