The association between parental Emotional styles and emotional Problems among preschool children

Introduction: Emotional problem is one of the common mental health problems in children. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental emotional styles and emotional problem among preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected preschool in Kota Bharu and Machang. The questionnaires consisted of the Parental Emotional Style Questionnaire (PESQ) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Data were collected via an online survey using Google Form as well as hardcopy of questionnaire were distributed to the respondents. Data were analysed using Logistic Regression (LR). The significance value was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 92 parents of preschool school was involved in this study. The majority of respondents were females (80.4%), and married (94.7%). All parents were Malay Muslim with mean age(year), 33.61, and mean household income(RM), 5429.34. Based on the LR, parental age (p = 0.003) was significantly associated emotional problem in these children. However, emotion coaching parental style (p = 0.338) and emotion dismissing parental style (p = 0.923) were not significant with emotional problem. Conclusion: Parental age was significant predictor of emotional problem in preschool children.

Keywords: Parenting Styles, Emotional Problem, Preschool Children