Prof Lea Waters, University of Melbourne
Strength-based parenting is good for kids and parents: a win-win!
Strength-based parenting (SBP) has been defined as an approach to parenting that seeks to deliberately identify and cultivate positive states, positive processes and positive qualities in one’s children. The effects of SBP on children, teenagers and parents have been examined in sample sizes ranging from 100 to over 11,300 using a range of different methods including survey research, vignette studies, dyadic studies, intervention studies, longitudinal studies and panel designs.
Two overarching findings have been identified: 1) SBP is a protective factor and is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress and negative emotions in children and teenagers; and 2) SBP is an enhancing factor and is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, self-confidence, subjective wellbeing and positive emotions in children and teenagers.
The research program has identified key factors that explain or mediate the relationship between SBP and youth mental health including engagement, self-efficacy and persistence. Research into the effects of SBP on parents’ mental health shows that SBP boosts parents’ self-efficacy and experience of positive emotions. Two SBP interventions with families found improvements in family happiness and family hardiness.
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