The Relationship between Happiness and Grit in School-Aged Children: The Moderating Effect of Parents’ Positive Parenting Attitude

Purpose : This study explores the influence of children’s happiness on their grit for successful growth and development, while investigating the moderating role of positive parenting attitudes. It aims to provide insights into children's mental health and internal development. Methods : The analysis employs secondary data from the 11th (2018) Panel Study of Korean Children. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics, children's grit, positive parenting attitudes, and variables associated with children's happiness were extracted. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and hierarchical regression were employed to assess the moderating effect. Results : A positive correlation was found between parenting attitudes of both parents and the children's happiness and grit. Adding interaction terms of positive parenting attitudes and a child's happiness to the relationship between happiness and grit increased the explanatory power from 28.5% to 29.1%. Positive parenting attitudes have a moderating effect. Conclusion : To enhance children’s grit, interventions must address individual happiness and promote positive parenting attitudes. Prioritizing children's psychological well-being is crucial, highlighting the importance of cultivating positive parenting approaches. Tailored interventions for child well-being and parenting attitudes are essential.