A Systematic Review of Parenting in Singapore: Insights to the Culture-Specific Functions of Styles and Practices

Abstract

Cross-cultural studies on parenting have identified cultural nuances that may impact the form and functions of parenting styles and practices in different contexts. This systematic review is undertaken with the aim of identifying such nuances in an under-studied culture (Singapore), as a starting point to understand and compare the forms and functions of parenting in Asia and beyond. A review of 27 studies showed that optimal parenting styles and practices were associated with positive child development outcomes in Singapore, similar to what has been observed in Western contexts. However, some parenting behaviours that were typically considered to be sub-optimal were not invariably related to poorer child outcomes in Singapore, indicating that there may be protective cultural factors related to the interpretation of parental control. Adopting an emic approach to parenting research would deepen our understanding of the cultural generality and specificity of practices, ensuring that the design and implementation of parenting interventions are culturally appropriate and effective.

Associations between Parental Conflict and Externalising Behaviours in Children with ASD in a Local Singaporean Sample: Parenting Style as a Moderating Mechanism

“…Thus, Baumrind and Thompson (2002), affirm that the authoritative parenting style is the most encompassing way of raising successful children. Cheung (2021) also affirmed in the systematic review, the benefits of authoritative parenting style in children in Singapore which included gains in behavioural and social-emotional outcomes.…”

“…A local systematic review on parenting in Singapore (Cheung, 2021) found that like research done in the western countries, the authoritarian style is associated with a decreased level of confidence and esteem. In addition, this style of parenting was also correlated with adjustment issues, aggressive and defiant behaviours in children in Singapore.…”

“…However, the permissive parenting style presented with mixed findings in the Singapore context. Cheung (2021) found that permissive parenting style was linked to a higher incidence of aggressive behaviours in children due to the absence of rules and expectations which creates opportunities for children to mix freely with deviant friends. To the contrary, permissive parenting was also associated with higher levels of positive emotions and social skills in children in Singapore.…”

Nonsuicidal Self-injury in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Apart from that, Asian culture values respect for authority and elders; thus, parents are inclined to use more orders and try to control their children’s behaviour more openly than Western parents (Russell et al, 2010). Southeast Asian parents tend to use authoritarian parenting style and corporal punishment at home (Chan, 2018; Cheung & Lim, 2021). Though parental physical abuse is different from corporal punishment, past research revealed that individuals who experienced corporal punishment are at an increased risk of also having experienced parental physical abuse (Fréchette et al, 2015).…”