ERIC Number: EJ1467789
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-293X
EISSN: EISSN-1752-1807
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Exploring Children's Perceptions of Family Relationships in China through Kinetic Family Drawing: Insights from 5- to 6-Year Olds
Lingling Zang1; Mengyuan Zhu2; Yuwen Ma3
European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, v33 n2 p333-351 2025
This study aimed to explore family relationships from the perspectives of children within the social context of China. The study primarily utilised kinetic family drawing (KFD), which reflects a child's psychological state and family interactions, alongside the questionnaire and interview, to examine children's perspectives on family relationships. A total of 46 children aged 5-6 participated in this research project and the results indicate that children generally perceive their family relationships as warm and harmonious, with positive interactions among family members. The mother often acts as the key emotional bond within the family, while the father is typically regarded as the primary authority figure. However, fathers' involvement in the family tends to be less intense compared to mothers. In families with multiple children, a latent competition among siblings is observed. Additionally, the role of grandparents as a source of emotional support for children was prominent. Notably, the absence of adequate parental companionship can lead to emotional neglect in children. This paper argues that in the Chinese context, the social situation of children's family settings influences their perception of family relationships. It is crucial for Chinese parents, especially fathers, to understand their children's psychological needs and foster high-quality companionship.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Children, Childrens Attitudes, Family (Sociological Unit), Family Environment, Family Relationship, Family Role, Family Size, Family Structure, Parent Child Relationship, Mothers, Parent Role, Fathers, Siblings, Sibling Relationship, Freehand Drawing, Childhood Needs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Faculty of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Preschool Education, Henan Women’s Vocational College, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Institute of Education, Art and Community, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia