The Parenting Dimensions and Student Character in Multicultural Malaysia
Parenting Dimensions and Student Character in Multicultural Malaysia
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This study aims to analyze the role of parenting dimensions in the development of student character within the multicultural context of Malaysia. Specifically, it examines the relationships between parental care, autonomy, overprotection, and student character among university students. A quantitative research design with a descriptive correlational approach was employed. The sample consisted of 88 university students from UiTM Cawangan Pahang, selected using stratified random sampling to reflect Malaysia's ethnic diversity. Data were collected through validated questionnaires measuring three dimensions of parenting styles (care, autonomy, overprotection) and seven aspects of student character (religiosity, nationalism, integrity, independence, cooperation, tolerance, and empathy). Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation with SPSS version 26.0. The findings revealed that democratic parenting was the dominant style (47.7%). Parental care demonstrated the strongest positive correlation with student character (r = 0.687, p < 0.01), followed by autonomy (r = 0.642) and overprotection after reverse scoring (r = 0.589). Empathy showed the highest correlation with care (r = 0.701), while autonomy was most strongly associated with independence (r = 0.689). Overall student character was rated very high (mean = 3.43). Parental care showed the strongest association with student character. These findings highlight the importance of warm and supportive parenting in relation to students' moral and social characteristic moral values and social competencies essential for harmonious coexistence in multicultural society. Recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers are discussed.
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