Paternal Involvement of Chinese Drug Abusers: An Exploratory Study in Hong Kong

• NCJ Number: 221052
• Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 87-98
• Author(s): Steve F.F. Fong; C. W. Lam
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This Hong Kong study examined the relationship of 125 Chinese male drug abusers' parenting behaviors to drug-use status, self-esteem, and marital satisfaction.

Abstract

The study found that the drug abusers' self-esteem and marital satisfaction were significantly linked to the quality of their paternal interactions with their children. There was no significant correlation between the quality of the men's parenting and the duration of drug abuse and their drug status, i.e., as an active drug user, a methadone user, or being abstinent from drugs. The authors conclude that a treatment focus on improving drug abusers' self-esteem and marital relationship can have a direct effect on the quality of their parenting. The convenience sample of 125 drug abusers was obtained through referrals from the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention in Hong Kong. More than 80 percent of its clients are drug abusers (mainly heroin) who are receiving treatment from methadone clinics or other drug rehabilitation agencies. Only respondents who were married or cohabiting and who had at least one child between the ages of 3 and 18 were included in the study. All were living with their spouses/partners and children at the time of the interview. Marital satisfaction was measured with the Chinese Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale and the Satisfaction Subscale of the Chinese Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Parenting involvement was measured with the Inventory of Father Involvement, a newly developed scale for measuring a father's involvement with his children. It focuses on discipline and teaching responsibility, school encouragement, mother support, financial support, time and talking together, praise and affection, developing talents and future concerns, reading and homework support, and attentiveness. 2 tables and 46 references