초등학교 고학년 아동이 지각한 아버지와의 의사소통과 또래유능성이 아동의 행복감에 미치는 영향

The influences of children’s perceived communication with Father and peer competence on children’s happiness

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relative influences of senior elementary school children’s communication level with their fathers and peer competence on their happiness. Methods: The subjects of this study were 310 fifth and sixth grade students attending elementary school in Jeollanam-do. They responded to the level of communication with their fathers, peer competence, and happiness. For the data, t-test, Pearson's correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were performed. Results: First, there were some statistically significant differences according to gender differences in self-esteem and a sub-factor of happiness and the differences according to grades in open-type communication and problem-type communication. Second, it was found that children's happiness was highly correlated with communication with their fathers and peer competence. Third, the factors having the greatest relative influence on overall happiness were in the order of peer competence, open-type communication, problem-type communication, and gender. The variables influencing and the order of relative influence differed according to sub-factors of happiness. Conclusion/Implications: The present study revealed that peer competence has a significant impact on children’s happiness. The results of this study suggest that research and development of convergent programs that can improve communication with fathers, peer competence, and children's happiness are necessary.