Family Strengths and Parenting Sense of Competence in Hong Kong Families

This study examined the associations between six dimensions of family strengths and parenting sense of competence (PSOC) among Hong Kong parents of kindergarten children and explored whether these associations differed according to children’s special educational needs (SEN) status. A total of 700 parents and caregivers recruited from local kindergartens completed a self-administered questionnaire comprising the Chinese Family Strength Measure and the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, hierarchical multiple regression, moderation analyses, and independent-samples t tests. All six family strength dimensions were positively correlated with PSOC. After controlling for demographic variables, the six dimensions collectively explained significant additional variance in PSOC; however, Positive Communication was the only significant unique predictor. SEN status did not significantly moderate the associations between family strength dimensions and PSOC. Group comparisons indicated that families of children with SEN reported lower levels of PSOC and several family strength dimensions than families of children without SEN, although the effect sizes were small. These findings suggest that family strengths, particularly positive communication, may serve as important relational resources for parenting competence across caregiving contexts. The study highlights the potential value of strengths-based and communication-focused family support for Hong Kong parents.