Relationship between life congruence and parenting in parents of early school-aged children in Bangkok, Thailand
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64838/jmht.2025.279079Keywords:
early school-aged children, life congruence, parenting, Satir modelAbstract
Objective: To examine the relationship between life congruence based on Satir’s model and parenting behaviors among parents of early school-aged children.
Methods: A cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted with parents of elementary school students aged 6 - 9 years in Bangkok, Thailand. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Thai version of the Life Congruence Scale, and the Thai version of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire. Associations were analyzed using the independent t-test, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results: Of 1,269 questionnaires sent, 438 were returned with complete responses. Participants were mostly female and in early-to-middle adulthood. Life congruence was significantly associated with positive parenting practices, parental involvement, adequate parental monitoring/supervision, consistent discipline, and absence of corporal punishment. Other factors independently and significantly associated with favorable parenting included being female, higher educational attainment, child-rearing with partner, and higher income.
Conclusion: Higher life congruence in parents is associated with more positive and engaged parenting behaviors and fewer harmful practices. Interventions aimed at enhancing life congruence among parents may promote healthier parent-child interactions and better developmental outcomes for early school-aged children.
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