Hong Kong Adolescents’ Perceptions of Family Functioning: Research Findings based on the Family Assessment Device - Daniel T.L. SHEK
Daniel T.L. SHEK
Professor, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] Adolescents' perceptions of family functioning and the related correlates are examined in this paper. A total of 3,649 Chinese adolescents responded to the Chinese version of the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Results showed that while adolescents in general had positive perceptions of their family functioning, a significant proportion of the participants indicated that: (1) family members lacked communication; (2) family members lacked mutual understanding; (3) family members lacked emotional responsiveness; (4) family members failed to fulfil their family responsibilities; (5) family rules were not clear; and (6) the distribution of family tasks was not fair. Based on the total scores of the Chinese FAD, results showed that adolescents' perceptions of family functioning were related to several correlates. The findings are: (1) adolescent boys had relatively more negative perceptions of family functioning than adolescent girls; (2) relative to younger adolescents, older adolescents had poorer perceptions of family functioning; (3) adolescents studying in higher grades had relatively poorer perceptions of family functioning; (4) adolescents studying in schools admitting students with higher academic abilities had relatively better perceptions of family functioning; (5) students studying in private schools had relatively poorer perceptions of family functioning than those studying in government and aided schools; (6) adolescents from intact families had better perceptions of family functioning than adolescents from non-intact families. The findings arising from the present study suggest that there is a need to strengthen family life education for early adolescents and their parents.
The Analysis of Youth's Perception and Feeling to Family Life in Taiwan - Jing-Houng KUO Hwa-Yuan TSENG Ying-Yi TANG WU Hisn-Lin
Jing-Houng KUO
Professor and chairman, Department of Social Welfare, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan
Hwa-Yuan TSENG
Professor, Department of Social Work, Tung-Hai University
Ying-Yi TANG
Associate professor and chairman, Department of Mass Media, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan
WU Hisn-Lin
Instructor, Department of Social Welfare, Chinese Culture University, Taiwan
[Abstract] Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood. During this changing period, the adolescent tries to break off the protection and constraints from adults on the one hand, while still tied to his/her parents for economic and emotional support on the other hand. The subtleness of an approach to avoid-conflict ascribes the major interaction between parents and children in this period. This study aims to examine (1) What is the adolescent’s family experience and feeling? (2) How does the adolescent view the parenting style in his/her family? (3) How does the family manage conflicts among its members and how does the adolescent feel about the management? (4) How does the adolescent adjust to his/her family experience?The population of this study is the adolescent between the ages of 12 and 18 in Taiwan. A stratified sampling process has randomly selected 3500 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 prior to December 31, 1998 to be surveyed. The final valid sample is 2,176 with the valid percentage of 62.17%.
An Exploratory Study of School Social Work and Counselling Practices in Singapore Secondary Schools ─ Implications for Schools and Practitioners - Adrian LIM Peng Ann
Adrian LIM Peng Ann
School Counsellor, St Joseph's Institution
[Abstract] This study seeks to find out five hypothetical practice models against five proposed practice dimensions of school social work and counselling services provided by social workers and counsellors in Singapore's secondary schools. From a preliminary survey covering 92(62.6%) of all 147 secondary schools, the majority (47.2%) surveyed utilised practitioners from family service centres(FSC) on a part-time basis. The structured interview had 38 practitioners explore how their professional services were practised in 50(34%) secondary schools. Issues of service induction, role clarity, practice visibility, practice support, accountability, strengths and limitations were covered to see how the practice is promoted, maintained or impeded service delivery. The results of the interviews supported the existence of the proposed five practice models, with implications and recommendations proposed for training for practitioners, social service organisations, and educational policy makers. The researcher foresees greater usage of these services and the need for expertise to be consolidated and developed in the face of an increasingly challenging social climate, competitive economic and educational system in Singapore.
Religious Bonds, Values and Minor Delinquency among Young People in Hong Kong - Dennis S. W. WONG Christopher CHENG
Dennis S. W. WONG
Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
Christopher CHENG
Lecturer, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] This paper examines the dynamic relationship between religious bonds, values and minor delinquent behavior among young people. Based on Social Control Theory, the study assumes that deviance is inherent in human nature, requiring no special motivation. It is also hypothesized that strong religious bonds can restrain youth from violating social norms. Youth with weak bonds to religion are likely to possess less positive values and be involved in minor delinquency. From a sample of 1,761 young churchgoers randomly selected from 62 churches, the study finds positive relationship between religious bonds and moral values, as well as general self-esteem. The study also confirms that youth with higher level of religious bonding are less prone to deviate from social norms. This paper suggests that further study should be conducted to test the relationship of religious factors and deviant behavior with a wider spectrum of samples.
Selection and Admiration of Four Kinds of Idols and Models among Young People: A Comparative Study among High School Students in Hong Kong, Nanjing, Changsha and Nantong - YUE Xiao Dong
YUE Xiao Dong
Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] The present study, using a sample of 763 high school students selected from Hong Kong, Nanjing, Changsha and Nantong, validated the hypothesized existence of four kinds of idols and models for adolescents to identify with. Specifically, pure idols mainly consist of pop stars in entertainment and sports, model-like idols mainly consist of celebrities in the political, academic, literary, business and entertainment arenas, model-like idols and pure models mainly consist non-celebrities close to adolescents. The selection and admiration of these different people reflect different social and psychological needs in adolescents.
Strategic Research on the Value and Effectiveness of Summer Youth Program - NGAI Ngan-pun Chau-kiu CHEUNG
NGAI Ngan-pun
Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chau-kiu CHEUNG
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong
[Abstract] The study surveyed 170 members of the Summer Youth Program Committees at both the central and district levels and collected 3,671 valid questionnaires from young people at the beginning and end of the summer of 1998. The results demonstrate the significant contributions of the Summer Youth Program on all 12 developmental outcomes: youth's interests, potential recognition, orientation to recreation, skills, social well-being, concern for the community, civic responsibility, desire for volunteering, learn to view society critically, identity achievement, transcendence, and endorsement of the Hong Kong Jockey Club's contributions. The significant effects largely stem from the effects of past and cumulative participation in the Summer Youth Programs. The research also finds the Committee Members’ favorable evaluation of the Summer Youth Program at satisfying youths' needs, and offers useful implications for future Summer Youth Program.
That's not all: Textualising Youth Work - Wallace, SHIU Ka Chun
Wallace, SHIU Ka Chun
Youth Social Worker, Tsuen Wan Integrated Youth Service Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
M. Phil. Candidate, Social Work Department, Hong Kong Baptist University
[Abstract] What does postmodern theory offer in shaping directions for youth work practice? This article attempts to define and develop a new discourse theory and practice in youth work. Youth work can be located within modernity. This means that youth work is characterized by an emphasis on rationality and scientific knowledge. It has involved dichotomies, for example, reason/emotion, therapy/change, cause/function, theory/practice. Informed by postmodernism and poststructurialism, it involved (1) a shift and moving beyond the notion of dichotomies; (2) questioned the notion of rigid disciplinary boundaries; (3) shift emphasis and explore the unique, the local and the everyday. This article is devoted discussing the philosophy, concepts and theoretical underpinnings of textualing youth work, so as to shed light on: (1) deconstructing traditional youth work; (2) critical youth work as a counter discourse; (3) towards textualising youth work practice in the local context of Hong Kong.
Educating the Youth with Leadership Abilities in this New Century - LEI Meng Kei
LEI Meng Kei
Secretario da Associacao de Estudantes Chineses de Macau
[Abstract] Nowadays, it is essential to educate youth with leadership abilities, since they are the future of the society. Youth Leaders should inherit our excellent tradition as well as develop a creative mind. We should pay attention to the characteristics of different eras, and provide suitable diversified education accordingly. Therefore, youth should establish a modern enterprise view. They should be sensitive, possess an entrepreneur’s spirit and courage, a creative mind and a rightful character.