Influence of parenting role sharing, parenting stress, and happiness on warm parenting behavior in mothers of children aged 6 years: an analysis using data from the seventh panel study on Korean children.

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the relationships among parenting role sharing, parenting stress, happiness, and parenting behavior of mothers with 6-year-old children.MethodsThis study used data from the seventh Panel Study of Korean Children, which began collecting longitudinal data on a sample of newborn households nationwide in 2008 and will continue yearly until 2027. The participants were 1,560 mothers of children aged 6 years. We conducted statistical analyses using descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression.ResultsThe mean age of the mothers was 36.8±3.7 years. The mothers' perceived parenting role sharing (r=.07, p=.007), parenting stress (r=-.54, p<.001), and happiness (r=.38, p<.001) were significantly correlated with warm parenting behavior. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that parenting stress (β=-.47, p<.001), happiness (β=.15, p<.001), and parenting role sharing (β=.11, p<.001) were significant predictors for warm parenting behavior by mothers.ConclusionIt is essential to reduce mothers' stress and increase their positive emotions (happiness). Fathers should actively share parenting roles in raising children to enhance mothers' warm parenting behavior.