Original Article
The Association of Grit and Self-Control with Parent-Child Relationships, Mental Health, and Lifestyles of Japanese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey
2022 年 18 巻 p. 52-61
詳細
2022 年 18 巻 p. 52-61
Background: Non-cognitive skills (NCS) are vital components of a socially and financially successful life, developed through childhood education, family and school environments, and social settings. The effects of NCS in adulthood have been studied, whereas those in adolescents have rarely been examined in Japan. Grit and self-control are significant components of NCS. This study focused on the influence of grit and self-control on lives of adolescents.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between grit and self-control, and Japanese adolescents’ mental health, lifestyle at school and home, and parent-child relationships.
Methods: In April 2016, we performed an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey. Participants were 1,566 mothers and their children (8th year of school) in Japan. The survey included items on background, grit and self-control scales, and mental health (DSRS-C); mothers provided social, financial, and educational information and information on parent-child relationships. Their children answered questions about their grit, self-control and mental health.
Results: Of the 1,566 adolescent participants, 783 were boys and 783 were girls. Mean scores for grit and self-control were 3.07 ± 0.60 and 2.97 ± 0.64, respectively. Grit and self-control were significantly correlated with mental health scores (r = -0.34, p < 0.0001). All adolescent lifestyle parameters were significantly associated with both grit and self-control (p < 0.0001). Adolescents with good parent-child relationships exhibited higher grit and self-control scores. Moreover, good parent-child relationships were significantly associated with better mental health scores.
Conclusion: Our results implied that good parent-child relationships may promote the development of grit, self-control, and good mental health among adolescents, leading to favorable lifestyles at home and school.
