Parenting and Adolescent Problem Behaviors: A Comparative Study of Sons and Daughters in Thailand
Orratai Rhucharoenpornpanich PhD*, Aphichat Chamratrithirong PhD*, Warunee Fongkaew PhD**, Michael J Rosati MEd***, Brenda A Miller PhD****, Pamela K Cupp PhD*****
Affiliation : * Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Medical Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand *** Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand **** Prevention Research Center / Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA, USA ***** Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Louisville, KY, USA
Objective : Investigates parenting practices and the reported sexual and delinquent behaviors among Thai
adolescents, by focusing on the difference between sons and daughters.
Material and Method: Data were derived from 420 families whose adolescents aged 13-14 were randomly
selected from seven districts in Bangkok using the probability proportional to size (PPS) method. Interviews
were conducted with one parent and one adolescent.
Results : Female adolescents reported higher levels of parental monitoring, parental rules, communication
about sex, and parental disapproval of sex, as compared to males. There were no gender differences in the
reported sexual and delinquent behaviors among the adolescents. For males, high levels of parental monitor-
ing, greater perception of parent disapproval of sex, and being raised by authoritative parents were associ-
ated with less delinquent behaviors. Among females, parental monitoring and parental closeness served as
protective factors against sexual and delinquent behaviors.
Conclusion : The findings from the present study point to the importance of promoting family institution and
parents’ childrearing. These findings should be useful for developing a body of knowledge and understanding
on adolescent rearing among Thai parents.
Keywords : Parenting, Thai adolescents, Problem behavior, Risk behavior, Delinquency
