Longitudinal relationship between the child value, parenting stress, and controlling parenting attitudes and the self-esteem of children: Applying the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) using a latent growth model

Abstract

Aim: This is a descriptive longitudinal study conducted to identify the effects of the perception of child value by parents on parenting stress, controlling parenting attitudes, and children's self-esteem. Methods: The present study targeted parents aged 19 years or older and their children who participated in the fourth through to the eighth Panel Study on Korean Children. The study examined the longitudinal relationship of the effect of parental factors on self-esteem in children, and applied an actor-partner interdependent model to analyze the effect of interactions with parents. Results: The paternal instrumental value had a partner effect on the rate of change in maternal parenting stress, while the maternal instrumental value of children had an actor effect on the rate of change in maternal parenting stress. The baseline value of parenting stress had an actor effect on the baseline value of controlling parenting attitudes, while the rate of change in maternal parenting stress had a partner effect on paternal controlling parenting attitudes and an actor effect on the rate of change in maternal controlling parenting attitudes. The baseline value and rate of change in controlling parenting attitudes were found to influence self-esteem in children. Conclusion: Reducing parenting stress by increasing the parents' positive perception of the value of children can be helpful in maintaining a consistent parenting attitude by parents, which can have a positive effect on self-esteem in children. It is important to provide intervention and management of variables related to self-esteem in children using a long-term and multidimensional approach.