The most common way Hongkongers show love to their families is by doing household chores, a survey has found, but researchers on the project believe it not the most effective way of building good family relations.
The University of Hong Kong study, which analysed how Hong Kong families communicate with each other and their levels of happiness and harmony, showed that the city's residents spent an average of 2.13 hours a day talking to other family members, which was on par with results overseas - such as 2.4 hours in Singapore, 2.13 in Japan and 2.77 in the United States.
Among 1,510 adults surveyed between November and December last year, 64 per cent said they maintained good relations with the family by doing household chores, and 61 per cent said they would spend more time with family members, such as by having dinner together or going for a walk.
When asked to rate their individual level of happiness on a scale of one to seven, respondents scored an average of 5.10, slightly higher than in other Asian countries, such as 4.82 in Japan and 4.42 in Malaysia. But the statistics for Britain and the United States were higher, at 5.22 and 5.62 respectively.
The researchers also formulated a 'harmony index', which on a scale of 1 to 100 reflected the strength of family bonds, with an index of 100 representing the strongest family ties. The Hong Kong index was 77.9, which researchers said was satisfactory.
The researchers derived from the statistics that showing appreciation to family members, physical contact and spending quality time together could improve relations and make a family happier, whereas doing housework was not as relevant.