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Research
The Impact of Taiwanese Traditional Parenting on College Students’ Mental Health
Abstract
Although some argue that traditional Taiwanese parenting, deeply rooted in Confucian values, fosters discipline, respect, and academic excellence in children (Chao, 1994), this essay posits that the emotional suppression often associated with such parenting practices can have detrimental effects on youth mental health. Traditional parenting is celebrated for instilling discipline and respect, but it often prioritizes academic and societal success over emotional well-being. This essay will delve into the characteristics of Taiwanese traditional parenting, including emotional suppression, academic pressure, and lack of emotional support. While some believe that traditional parenting builds resilience and prepares children for real-world challenges, the cost of emotional suppression is too high. As Amy Chua discusses in Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, her strict approach to parenting, which prioritizes high achievement and emotional control, often involves pushing children beyond their limits, sometimes at the cost of their emotional well-being. Chua acknowledges the harshness of her methods, noting that 'I was a Tiger Mother, and I was determined to push my children as hard as I could. There was no room for weakness' (Chua, 2011, p. 44). This emotional suppression, while intended to foster resilience, can lead to long-term emotional struggles, including anxiety and strained parent-child relationships. A balanced approach that integrates discipline with emotional availability and open dialogue is essential for fostering healthier child development and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
I. Introduction
Parenting practices are deeply influenced by cultural values, shaping not only the upbringing of children but also the societal expectations placed upon them. In Taiwan, traditional parenting is firmly rooted in Confucian principles that prioritize discipline, respect for authority, and academic excellence. These values have long been regarded as essential for instilling a strong moral compass and preparing children to thrive in a competitive world. However, beneath the surface of these seemingly beneficial practices lies a growing concern: the toll that traditional Taiwanese parenting can take on youth mental health. The heavy emphasis on obedience and achievement often comes at the expense of emotional expression and open communication, leading to feelings of isolation and unaddressed stress. These negative results align with Hsu and Huang’s (2009) findings, which reveal that the absolute authority given to parents in Chinese families can lead to emotional suppression and strained parent-child relationships. While existing research has examined the influence of traditional Taiwanese parenting on adolescent mental health and academic performance (Huang et al., 2017; Wang & Lo, 2020), there is a notable gap in understanding how these parenting practices specifically affect college students' mental health. Most studies have focused on younger age groups, leaving the experiences of emerging adults underexplored. This essay aims to examine the impact of traditional Taiwanese parenting on the mental health of college students, a demographic undergoing significant developmental transitions and facing unique stressors.
II. Methods
1. Participants:
The study involved college students from Chung Cheng University, encompassing a range of academic levels from freshmen to postgraduates. This diverse demographic was selected to provide a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences, thereby enhancing the reliability and generalizability of the findings.
2. Questionnaire Design:
A comprehensive questionnaire was developed to collect detailed and multifaceted data from the participants. The instrument included 12 questions: 8 close-ended questions utilizing Likert scale and multiple-choice formats to facilitate quantitative analysis, and 4 open-ended questions designed to capture nuanced and subjective responses for qualitative insights. This combination ensured that various aspects of the research topic were effectively addressed.
3. Data Collection:
Data were collected through an online platform to ensure convenience and accessibility for participants. The survey garnered responses from 42 individuals, providing a substantial data set for analysis. The online medium also enabled broader participation by accommodating diverse schedules and locations.
4. Data Analysis:
The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the close-ended responses. ChatGPT was utilized to expedite the categorization and summarization of quantitative data, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. For the open-ended responses, thematic analysis was conducted. Each response was carefully reviewed to identify recurring themes and significant insights, with additional support from ChatGPT to enhance the process. This dual approach ensured that both the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the data were rigorously explored.
III. Findings
Close-Ended Question Analysis
The findings of this study provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse parenting practices experienced by Taiwanese college students, highlighting the interplay between traditional cultural values and modern parenting ideas. Through both quantitative and qualitative analysis, the results reveal significant trends in emotional support, autonomy, discipline, and the evolving dynamics of family decision-making, underscoring the profound impact of parenting styles on children's psychological and developmental outcomes.
Upbringing Description
The majority of respondents (over 50%) experienced a blend of traditional and modern parenting styles, indicating a diverse approach to upbringing that incorporates elements of both. This was followed by respondents who were primarily raised with modern parenting practices, reflecting a generational shift in parenting norms. (Figure 1)
Figure 1
1. The Emotional Suppression in Traditional Parenting
According to the survey, participants raised under primarily traditional Taiwanese parenting often feel the pressure of suppressing emotions. The cultural emphasis on filial piety and respect for authority in traditional Taiwanese parenting often leads to emotional suppression. Research shows that children in Confucian-influenced households suppress their emotions to maintain harmony, avoiding behaviors that might be perceived as disrespectful to parental authority (Li, 1998) . (Figure 2)
Figure 2: Primarily traditional Taiwanese parenting
2. Lack of Emotional Support and Communication
For the aspect of emotional support, survey results show that 70% of the students raised by traditional Taiwanese parents felt “Very uncomfortable” when discussing emotions and mental health concerns to their parents, and the other 30% felt “Somewhat uncomfortable”, demonstrating how Confucian-style parenting methods can prevent parents from providing adequate emotional support. (Figures 3 & 4)
Figure 3: Primarily traditional Taiwanese parenting
Figure 4: Primarily traditional Taiwanese parenting
Open-Ended Question Analysis
The open-ended responses support the argument that traditional Taiwanese parenting can be harmful by revealing patterns of emotional suppression, lack of open communication, and rigid decision-making often associated with Confucian-style practices. These responses highlight how such parenting approaches may stifle children's emotional well-being, limit their independence, and create psychological conflicts as they navigate the tension between traditional expectations and modern societal norms. The emphasis on discipline, obedience, and filial piety, while culturally significant, is shown to contribute to feelings of discomfort, emotional neglect, and strained parent-child relationships, ultimately underscoring the potential harm of overly traditional parenting methods on children's self-identity and psychological development.
A Balance Between Freedom and Autonomy
Some parents respect their children's choices and interests, encouraging them to explore and try new things.
"My mom prefers to let me try various things, decide what I want for myself, and think about what I want to be in the future. She doesn't impose many restrictions but still asks me to study hard because academic credentials are important."
“媽媽比較偏向於讓我去嘗試各種東西，讓我決定我自己想要什麼，讓我思考未來的自己應該是怎麼樣，不太會限制什麼，但還是會叫我好好讀書，因為學歷很重要。”
Parents like this respect their children's personal growth but still have certain expectations regarding academic performance.
Contradiction Between Traditional Values and Modern Ideas
Although modern parenting styles are becoming more common, many families still hold onto traditional values, especially in terms of expectations and behavioral standards.
"A strict mother and a kind father—they don't restrict my development but place importance on filial piety and discipline."
“嚴母慈父，不會去限制我的發展，但會注重孝順和紀律。”
In such families, children's opinions are respected, but core values such as filial piety remain non-negotiable.
Authoritative Family Decision-Making
In some households, parenting is highly authoritative, with parents making the key decisions that are rarely questioned.
"In my family, my father is the decision-maker, while my mother seems to lack the ability to think and lets my father handle everything. My father often imposes his thoughts and decisions on us."
“我的父母都是以爸爸的決策為主，媽媽好像沒有思考能力般的把每件事情交由給爸爸做決策，爸爸都會強加思想與決策在我們身上。”
In these environments, parents have significant influence over their children's choices and opinions, and they often hold outdated or rigid perspectives.
A Combination of Lax and Free-Range Approaches
Some families adopt a more permissive approach, allowing children to make their own decisions and only stepping in during extreme situations.
"Basically, they let the child do whatever they want unless it's something extreme (like spending a lot of money). If they disagree, they just try to persuade me, but if they can't convince me, they'll say, 'Do whatever you want! :D'"
“基本上只要想做的事就會讓孩子去做，除非是比較極端的事（例如需要花大錢），反對也只是用勸說，真的勸說不了就會說隨便你吧:D”
This reflects a respect for children's independence, though there may still be limits, particularly when it comes to financial and major decisions.
Limits and Pressure in Education
There are also parents who maintain stricter, more punitive methods, especially when it comes to academics and discipline.
"Punishments, punishments, and more punishments. If you disobey, you're punished—beatings, scolding, kneeling, all of it."
“罰罰罰，忤逆就罰，打罵鞭跪都上。”
This parenting style focuses on outcomes, emphasizing obedience and discipline as a priority.
Balanced Care and Respect
Many Taiwanese families respect their children's choices while also caring about their academic performance and mental health.
"They care about my academics, interpersonal relationships, and mental and physical health, while respecting my ideas and choices."
“關心我的課業、人際關係與身心健康，尊重我的想法和選擇。”
This style of parenting is more balanced, focusing on open communication and mutual understanding.
Criticism and Acceptance
Some families combine respect for children's choices with initial criticism before eventually accepting them.
"They give me choices but will first criticize the decisions I make before eventually accepting them, still placing more emphasis on being 'useful.'"
“給予我選擇，但仍然會對我做出的選擇先做出批評，最後才接受，仍然比較注重於『有用』。”
This shows that while parents may encourage independence, they often guide and adjust based on their own views.
A Blend of Free-Range and Regulation
"Basically, they let the child do whatever they want, but it must not affect the family's reputation or collective success."
“基本上還是會放任小孩想做什麼就做什麼，但是不能影響家庭名譽和集體成功。”
This reflects a combination of allowing freedom and enforcing regulations. In such families, children can make their own choices, but actions that could impact the family's reputation or collective success are still limited.
Cultural and Psychological Conflicts
"The values are quite traditional and politically incorrect, such as the idea that girls should prioritize the family, settle down before pursuing a career, and other outdated beliefs."
“觀念都比較傳統且政治不正確，例如女生就應該以家庭為重、先成家後立業等爛觀念。”
This shows how traditional cultural beliefs, particularly gender roles and societal expectations, can influence a child's self-identity and future decisions.
IV. Counterargument: The Benefits of Discipline and Resilience
Although most of the participants agree that traditional Taiwanese parenting could be harmful to children’s mental health, people who supported it claims that it places a strong emphasis on discipline, responsibility, and hard work. These values are instilled early in life, teaching children to manage challenges and persevere through difficulties. For example, the high expectations for academic performance push children to develop a strong work ethic, time management skills, and the ability to withstand pressure. (Figure 5)
Figure 5
The findings confirm that traditional Taiwanese parenting instills structured guidance and resilience, as participants acknowledged the advantages of clear expectations and a disciplined environment. However, these benefits come at a cost. The emotional detachment and limited opportunities for open communication, as revealed in participant responses, suggest that such methods may hinder children’s ability to process and express emotions effectively. This imbalance underscores the need for parenting approaches that combine emotional support with discipline, ensuring both psychological well-being and personal growth.
While it is true that traditional Taiwanese parenting often instills discipline and resilience in children, the lack of emotional balance in this approach cannot be overlooked. Emotional well-being is a crucial component of a child’s overall development, and neglecting it can have lasting negative effects, even if children do not outwardly express resentment toward their parents.
This lack of balance is particularly evident in the use of corporal punishment and scolding, practices commonly noted in studies on Chinese parenting. These methods, while intended to instill discipline, often lead to emotional suppression, encouraging children to internalize their feelings rather than process them in healthy ways. Although children may not explicitly "harbor resentment in their hearts," this does not imply the absence of emotional consequences. Over time, this can result in difficulties in forming close relationships or managing emotional stress effectively as adults. Research by Li (1998) highlights that Chinese parents often enforce their will on children using parental authority, which can harm parent-child bonds when emotional support is insufficient.
V. Conclusion
This study aimed to explore the impact of traditional Taiwanese parenting on mental health, focusing on how culturally ingrained practices shape children's emotional well-being and resilience. The findings revealed that traditional parenting, deeply rooted in Confucian principles, often prioritizes discipline, academic success, and respect for authority, sometimes at the expense of emotional openness and support.
The analysis showed that while traditional parenting fosters qualities like resilience, responsibility, and a strong work ethic, its emotionally suppressive nature can lead to feelings of isolation, difficulty in emotional expression, and strained parent-child relationships. Survey results highlighted that many children raised under traditional Taiwanese parenting felt uncomfortable discussing mental health and emotions with their parents, emphasizing the need for greater emotional balance. The implications of this study suggest that integrating emotional availability and open communication with traditional values of discipline and respect can create a more balanced parenting approach. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of fostering both resilience and emotional well-being in parenting to promote healthier development for future generations.
VI. References
Chua, A. (2011). Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Penguin Books.
Li, M. Z. (1998). 中國人親子關係的內涵與功能：以大學生為例 [The content and function of Chinese parent-child relationships: A study of college students]. Indigenous Psychological Research in Chinese Societies, 9, 3–52. https://doi.org/10.6254/1998.9.3
Chao, R. K. (1994). Beyond parental control and authoritarian parenting style: Understanding Chinese parenting through the cultural notion of training. Child Development, 65(4), 1111–1119.
https://doi.org/10.2307/1131308
Huang, C. Y., Shen, A. C. T., Hsieh, Y. P., Feng, J. Y., Wei, H. S., Hwa, H. L., & Feng, J. Y. (2017). Cultural perspective on parenting, trait emotional intelligence and mental health in Taiwanese children. International Journal of Emotional Education, 9(2), 4–16.
Wang, S. S. C., & Lo, H. H. M. (2020). The role of mindful parenting in the relationship of parent and child mental health in Taiwan Chinese. China Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 232–249.
VII. Appendices (Questionnaire)
