The relationship between self-concept, perceived parental bonding and delinquent behaviour among young people in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effect of self-concept and parenting on delinquency. In particular, this study aimed at investigating whether parenting has a mediation effect on the effect of self-concept on delinquency. Method: Measures on self-concept, perceived parenting bonding, prevalence of delinquent behaviour and demographic information were collected through a self-reported questionnaire in a sample of Hong Kong young people (N=200). Results: The associations between self-concept, perceived parenting style and delinquency were different in the male and the female sample groups. General Self was a significant predictor of delinquency in females but not in males. Moral Self was not a significant predictor for delinquency in both genders. Both the Paternal Authoritarian and the Maternal Authoritarian of the PBI subscales negatively predicted Total Delinquency in males, while Paternal Protectiveness and Maternal Protectiveness significantly but positively predicted Total Delinquency. For females, the Paternal Care and the Maternal Care subscales predicted Total Delinquency and a higher level of Care predicted a lower level of Total Delinquency. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that Maternal Care not only had a direct effect on Total Delinquency, but also totally mediated the effect of General Self on Total Delinquency among female. Conclusions: This study provided empirical evidence on how perceived parenting bonding and self-concept may impact on delinquency and how the association between these variables differed in male and female. Findings suggested Maternal Care was a mediator of the relationship between General Self and Total Delinquency in the female sample group.