Abstract

This study examined the over-time relationship between the 3 mother related variables of age, self-esteem, and educational level, maternal affection and control and children's self-esteem. In addition, the interactional effect of maternal affection and control on children's self-esteem was studied. A total of 438 subjects-219 elementary school children and their mothers in Pusan area-completed the children's self-esteem scale and maternal parenting scale for two times at intervals of one year. Mother subjects also provided information on their personal information such as age, self-esteem and education level at the time of first data collection. Path analysis and 2(affection) ×2(control) ANCOVA(analysis of covariance) were applied for data analysis while controlling for scores on the time 1 children's self-esteem. Results indicated that (1) mother's age and educational level contributed to children's self-esteem and the impact of the mother's age on children's self-esteem is mediated through the effects of maternal control and (2) maternal control have positive effect on children's self-esteem and does not interact with affection on children's self-esteem. These results suggest that the mother's education level is positively related with the children's self-esteem. Younger mothers are more likely than older ones to exercise parental control, and as a consequence, their children are more likely to have higher self-esteem.