Family environment and adolescents' psychological well-being in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objectives: This study replicated previous studies on the effect of family environment on adolescents’ psychological well-being, particularly on their self-esteem.

Methods: One hundred and ninety-two Hong Kong secondary school Form 3 to Form 5 students participated in the study. They completed a questionnaire that assesses their family environment and psychological well-being.

Results: Family environment was found to be a predictor of adolescents’ psychological well-being and self-esteem. The results revealed that perceived global parenting styles, specific parenting behaviors, and parent-adolescent conflicts were related to adolescents’ psychological well-being. Relative to other family and parenting variables, specific paternal behavior was found to exert a stronger influence on adolescents’ psychological well-being.

Discussion: The findings suggest that it is unlikely that a given parent would or should adhere purely to any one style or one behavior, but would or should accommodate the needs of adolescents and the individuality of the adolescent in the process of cultivating a stimulating, encouraging, and healthy family environment.