Background
Previous studies have mainly focused on the detrimental side of stress. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the positive side of stress. Meanwhile, the positive relationships between parental bonding and children’s adaptive coping strategies have been well-established, while less exploring the moderating process. The current study investigated the moderating role of children’s stress on the relationship between parental care and children’s problem-focused coping.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
It was hypothesized that children’s stress would moderate the relationship between parental care and children’s problem-focused coping.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
Two hundred and sixty-nine children aged from 9 to 15 years (49.4% girls; Mage = 11.983, SD = 1.326) reported their perceived parental care, problem-focused coping, and stress level.
Design
The current study adpoted a cross-sectional survey design.
Results
Results showed that children’s stress level significantly moderated the relationship between parental care and their problem-focused coping. Specifically, when children perceived lower level of stress, the relationship between parental care and children’s problem-focused coping was non-significant; when children perceived medium level of stress, parental care significantly and positively related to children’s problem-focused coping; when children perceived higher level of stress, the positive relationship between parental care and children’s problem-focused coping was stronger.
Scientific Contribution
These findings suggest that stress plays an enhancing role in promoting the positive relationship between parental care and children’s problem-focused coping. Future directions and implications are discussed.