Influences of Parents’ Interpersonal Caring Behavior on Happiness of School-Age Children: The Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in perception between school-age children and their parents on the parents’ interpersonal caring behavior and examine the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between parents’ interpersonal caring behavior and happiness among late school-age children.Methods: The survey data of 109 pairs of school-age children and their parents were analyzed. The data were collected May 21-July 7, 2021 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analyses based on the Baron and Kenny criterion.Results: The differences in perception between children and parents on the parents’ interpersonal caring behaviors were significantly different in noticing, sharing, and companioning. Parents' interpersonal caring behavior of children significantly positively correlated with self-esteem (r=46, <i>p</i><.001) and happiness (r=.66, <i>p</i><.001). Happiness also significantly positively correlated with self-esteem (r=.80, <i>p</i><.001). Also, self-esteem (β=.63, <i>p</i>=<.001) had a significant partial mediating effect on the relationship between parents’ interpersonal caring behavior and happiness (Z=4.82, <i>p</i><.001).Conclusion: It is necessary to develop an intervention program of interpersonal caring that improves happiness for the children.