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This study used the theory of planned behaviour to examine the relationships between companion animal attachment, fertility intention, psychological capital, and parenting sense of competence among 551 young Chinese women. The results indicated that companion animal attachment positively influenced the respondents' fertility intention. For unmarried women and cat caretakers, psychological capital enhanced fertility intention. For married women and dog caretakers, parenting sense of competence played a more significant role in enhancing fertility intention. The study also found that companion animal attachment indirectly affected fertility intention through the sequential mediation of psychological capital and parenting competence. This study provides a framework for understanding how companion animal attachment impacts fertility intention and offers insights for future research and policy making. For instance, its findings can guide government efforts to promote women's fertility intention through courses and activities focused on companion animal attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of warm, supportive and positive relationships caused behavioral and psychological problems in children. This study aimed to predict the psychological well-being of primary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic based on parental self-efficacy and cognitive emotion regulation in mothers based on the mediating role of the parent-child relationship. Methodology: The present applied research used a descriptive correlation in terms of data collection and analysis. This research was conducted on 385 cases, including students and their parents, who were selected using a random sampling method. The research instruments included the Reef's psychological well-being questionnaire (18 questions), Johnston and Mash parenting sense of competence scale, Garnefski's cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire and Fine's parent-child relationship scale. Two psychology experts assessed the face validity of the questionnaires. Reliability of the questionnaires was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficients. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Results: The average total scores of psychological well-being, parenting sense of competence, parent-child relationship and cognitive emotion regulation were 68, 58.3, 72.1 and 61.4, respectively. Maternal cognitive emotion regulation was a significant predictor of the parent-child relationship (p<0.01). We found that parenting sense of competence and maternal cognitive emotion regulations were able to predict students' psychological well- being through parent-child relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Increasing the level of parenting sense of competence and regulating parental emotions can improve the relationship between parents and their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mothers–adolescent discussion regarding sexual and reproductive health (SHR) issues plays an important role in preventing negative outcome associated with sexual risk behaviors. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between mothers' competence and comfort in SHR discourse with adolescent girls and its related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 160 mothers from July to September 2020. Data were collected through questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, Mother's Comfort in Sexual Discourse (MCSD), Mother's Interest in Sexual Discourse (MISD), and Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC). The collected data were analyzed using simple and multiple linear regression models. The mean scores for MCSD, MISD, and PSOC were 45.49±16.15 (13–78), 7.9±4.2 (0–13), and 64.07±9.44 (45–94), respectively. The primary topics of mother–adolescent discourse on SRH were menstruation (5.61±0.98) and the delivery process (4.55±1.57). The mean age for "sex talks" and age-appropriate "sex talks" with daughters was 11.76±1.85 (range: 6–15) and 17.05±1.86 (range: 14–23) years, respectively. Significant associations were found between MCSD and MISD (β=0.482, p<0.0001), PSOC (β=0.223, p<0.005), self-efficacy (β=0.202, p<0.011), mother's job (β=0.185, p<0.019), mother's education (β=0.173, p<0.029), and father's age (β=0.161, p<0.042). After adjusting for other variables, major influencing factors on MCSD included MISD (β=0.487, p<0.0001), self-efficacy (β=0.143, p<0.039), satisfaction (β=0.169, p<0.015), daughter number (β=−0.235, p<0.014), son number (β=−0.219, p<0.024), birth rank (β=0.263, p<0.008), and residency (β=0.172, p<0.014). MISD, PSOC, and certain demographic characteristics emerge as significant factors influencing MCSD in mother–daughter sexual discourse. As such, it is imperative to consider these determinants when devising strategies to maintain and enhance the sexual health of teenage girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postnatal depressive symptoms have harmful effects on families' well-being. This study reports the dyadic interactions between fathers' and mothers' social support, parenting sense of competence, and postnatal depressive symptoms, and explores the mediating role of parenting sense of competence in the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms. A multi-center, cross-sectional study was designed. A convenience sample of 280 participants (140 couples) in China completed assessments of study variables at three days postpartum. Mothers' social support was positively related to fathers' parenting sense of competence (β = 0.219, p =.018). Fathers' social support was negatively related to mothers' postnatal depressive symptoms (β = -0.192, p =.036). In mothers and fathers, the indirect effects of social support on postnatal depressive symptoms through parenting sense of competence were significant (β = -0.108, 95% CI [-0.202, -0.040]; β = -0.108, 95% CI [-0.241, -0.007]). Furthermore, the indirect effect of mothers' social support on fathers' postnatal depressive symptoms through fathers' parenting sense of competence was significant (β = -0.100, 95% CI [-0.196, -0.014]). Postnatal depressive symptoms in fathers should receive equal attention as those in mothers. There are dyadic interaction effects between mothers' and fathers' social support, parenting sense of competence, and postnatal depressive symptoms, therefore, developing couple-centered interventions is crucial. Parenting sense of competence mediated the relationship between social support and postnatal depressive symptoms; thus it is important to improve parenting sense of competence to reduce postnatal depressive symptoms during the early postpartum transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research provides evidence that parental mental illness affects child development through parenting behaviour. This study investigates how parents with a mental illness report on their parenting sense of competence. A sample of 141 parents receiving treatment at a clinic for mental health and substance use disorders participated. The Parenting Sense of Competence scale (PSOC) was used to assess participants' parenting sense of competence. Information about diagnoses, child age and participation in a preventive family intervention called Child Talks was also collected. PSOC scores from our sample was compared to normative samples. Parents with a mental illness reported having equal or higher PSOC scores compared to the normative samples. Neither children's age, comorbidity nor parents' diagnosis affected PSOC scores. PSOC satisfaction score was a significant predictor for participation in Child Talks, where lower scores were related to a small increase in participation rate. The results indicate that parents with a mental illness do not view or report feeling less competent in the parenting role than the general population. We discuss the validity of the results and if there are factors that may influence parents' reports such as stigma, fear of losing custody and impaired self-awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support is an essential source of support for preschool children's fathers to alleviate parenting anxiety, deal with parenting pressure, improve parenting methods, and enhance parenting sense of competence. Psychological capital serves as a critical psychological resource for preschoolers' fathers, helping them cope with parenting stress and enhancing parenting efficacy. To explore the mediating mechanism of psychological capital between social support and the parenting sense of competence of preschoolers' fathers, this study employs stratified sampling to survey 678 fathers from three cities of Henan province in China. The survey instruments mainly consist of the Social Support Rating Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Parenting Sense of Competence Scale. Research findings show that social support, psychological capital, and fathers' parenting sense of competence are at the middle level. Significant positive correlations exist among social support, psychological capital, and parenting sense of competence. Social support can positively predict fathers' parenting sense of competence, while psychological capital partially mediates between social support and parenting sense of competence. Therefore, it is possible to increase social support for preschool children's fathers and improve their psychological capital to relieve their parenting pressure, enhance their parenting participation, and strengthen their parenting sense of competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the topic of parental burnout has gathered much attention and studies have begun to integrate the parenting and work domain. In this regard, this study aimed to explore the association between work-family enrichment and parental burnout, and the mediation effects of parenting sense of competence and parenting stress. Data were collected at three different time points and questionnaires were distributed to 507 mothers of adolescents. Mothers were asked to report their work-family enrichment and parental burnout at Time (1) Then, their parenting sense of competence and parenting stress at Time (2) Finally, their parental burnout at Time (3) The results of bootstrapping indicated the following: (1) work-family enrichment showed negative association with parental burnout; (2) parenting sense of competence showed negative association with parental burnout, while parenting stress showed positive relation with parental burnout; (3) the relations between work-family enrichment and parental burnout was mediated by parenting sense of competence and parenting stress. Mothers should be made aware that resources from the work domain could buffer against parental burnout directly and indirectly and that when dealing with parental burnout, it is better to take a comprehensive perspective from both family and work domains and pay more attention to the relationships between the two domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental competence is a key aspect of parenting. Since they have no previous experienceof having a baby, first-time mothers should acquire certain skills to be competent enough in caring fortheir baby. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual education in parenting skills onthe parenting competence of first-time mothers with a 0-2-year-old baby.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted through convenience sampling; 72 first-timemothers were selected from 12 healthcare centers, 62 of whom met the criteria for entering the study,and divided into an experimental (n=31) and a control (n=31) group. The mothers in the experimentalgroup received virtual education in parenting skills in six sessions, each lasting 10 minutes for twoweeks. The data were collected using a demographics questionnaire and Gibaud-Wallston’s parentingsense of competence scale. Sense of competence was assessed in three stages: before, immediatelyafter, and one month after the completion of the intervention. The collected data were analyzed usingSPSS v. 22 at a significance level of less than 0.05.Results: Results showed a statistically significant increase in the experimental group’s parentingcompetence mean score immediately and one month after the intervention (P

Abstract Strengthening social support has been recognized as a potentially effective strategy to enhance parenting self-efficacy, but empirical evidence is limited. This study examined the association between perceived social support and parenting self-efficacy. Data of 647 parents of children aged 0–8 years, gathered in the CIKEO cohort study in the Netherlands, were analysed. Data were collected between October 2017 and December 2019. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between social support and parenting self-efficacy. The mean age of the participants was 33.8 years (SD = 4.9); 94.9% mothers. At the start of the study, 15.1% parents perceived low to moderate social support. Parents who experienced lower levels of social support at the start of the study reported lower parenting self-efficacy at follow-up (β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.21), independent of potential socio-demographic confounders. Experiencing an increase in perceived social support during the study period was associated with an increase in parenting self-efficacy (β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.21). Our findings indicate perceived social support is associated with parenting self-efficacy among parents of children aged 0–8 years. Future longitudinal studies need to confirm our findings and may examine which social support interventions are effective in strengthening parenting self-efficacy.

Background: The Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) is a self‐report measure of parenting efficacy and satisfaction that is widely used by researchers and clinicians in many countries. Despite its popularity, there have been some criticisms of the instrument. The aims of the current study were to identify and address shortcomings of the PSOC and to produce a revised measure that reflected the original constructs and that demonstrated robust psychometric properties. Methods: The researchers examined the original PSOC and proposed changes to overcome identified issues. A sample of 3056 Australian mothers provided data for the revised instrument's factor structure and psychometric analyses. Results: We identified a number of problems with the original instrument, including factorial inconsistency, and multipart or potentially ambiguous questions. Of particular concern was the fact that all negatively worded items load onto one subscale and all positively worded questions load onto the other subscale. In addressing these issues, we produced a 16‐item instrument (the Parenting Sense of Competence–Revised; PSOC‐R) with strong internal consistency, excellent test–retest reliability and good evidence of construct validity including factorial validity and criterion‐related validity. Conclusions: The PSOC‐R maintains the intent of the original measure in assessing parenting Efficacy (10 items) and Satisfaction (6 items). It represents improvements in item construction including reductions in complexity, with no multipart items and a lower reading level requirement than previously. Data across four child age groups enhance the instrument's clinical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To summarize the influencing factors of maternal parenting sense of competence (PSOC) in China. Methods: The literatures of PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Data from the establishment to November 2022 were searched by computer, and the research on the influencing factors of maternal PSOC in China was included. Two researchers independently completed literature screening, quality evaluation and information extraction, and used Stata15 software for statistical analysis. Results: Six cross-sectional studies and one cohort study were included, including 3 284 maternal women. The results of the Meta-analysis show that maternal women aged 26-30 have lower PSOC than those aged over 30 (SMD=－0.39, 95%CI: －0.64-－0.14), mothers with a high school diploma or below have a lower PSOC than those with a college degree or higher (SMD=－0.38, 95%CI: －0.52-－0.23), primiparas have lower PSOC than multiparas (SMD=－0.47, 95%CI: －0.81-－0.12); the maternal PSOC with family income less than 5 000 yuan per month is lower than 5 000 yuan per month or more (SMD=－0.28, 95%CI: －0.38-－0.18); and the maternal PSOC with breast feeding is higher than that with formula feeding (SMD=0.28, 95% CI: 0.19 -0.38), mothers attending maternity school have a higher PSOC than those not attending maternity school (SMD=0.14, 95%CI: 0.03-0.25). Conclusions: Age, educational background, parity, household income, feeding patterns and attending maternity school are the main influencing factors of maternal PSOC. Hospitals and communities can develop personalized intervention strategies based on different influnencing factors to improve maternal PSOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening social support has been recognized as a potentially effective strategy to enhance parenting self-efficacy, but empirical evidence is limited. This study examined the association between perceived social support and parenting self-efficacy. Data of 647 parents of children aged 0–8 years, gathered in the CIKEO cohort study in the Netherlands, were analysed. Data were collected between October 2017 and December 2019. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between social support and parenting self-efficacy. The mean age of the participants was 33.8 years (SD = 4.9); 94.9% mothers. At the start of the study, 15.1% parents perceived low to moderate social support. Parents who experienced lower levels of social support at the start of the study reported lower parenting self-efficacy at follow-up (β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.21), independent of potential socio-demographic confounders. Experiencing an increase in perceived social support during the study period was associated with an increase in parenting self-efficacy (β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.21). Our findings indicate perceived social support is associated with parenting self-efficacy among parents of children aged 0–8 years. Future longitudinal studies need to confirm our findings and may examine which social support interventions are effective in strengthening parenting self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that parental experiences of perceived racism are associated with poorer mental health in children. However, little is known about the mechanism of transmission of intergenerational racism among Aboriginal Australians. This study aims to explore the causal effect of Aboriginal mothers' experience of perceived racism on children's social and emotional well-being mediated by parenting sense of competence. Pregnant Aboriginal women (N = 159) reported their experiences of perceived racism using the Measure of Indigenous Racism Experiences instrument, and completed a five year follow-up survey, reporting their sense of parenting competence using the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale and their child's social and emotional well-being using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. A single causal mediation analysis was used to examine the causal effects while accounting for confounding variables (mother's age, education, and socioeconomic status). Mothers who experienced perceived racism in at least one setting were at an increased odds of their child experiencing social and emotional difficulties (OR = 1.28, 95% CI [0.55, 2.98]). This effect was not mediated by parenting sense of competence, despite an effect between parenting competence and children's social and emotional well-being (OR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.19, 1.06]). The findings suggest that maternal experiences of perceived racism has a longitudinal effect on their children's social and emotional well-being, which is not mediated through the mothers' parenting sense of competence. These findings highlight the importance of reducing racism as these may have far-reaching effects across generations on socio-social and emotional well-being. What is already known about this topic: Racism is a significant public health issue in Australia as experiences of racism are highly prevalent among Aboriginal Australians, and associated with adverse health and wellbeing. The effects of racism are known to have pervasive intergenerational impacts, with parental experiences of racism affecting children's social and emotional wellbeing. To date, little is known about the mechanism by which parental perceptions of racism lead to adverse social-emotional wellbeing for children. What this topic adds: This paper is the first to explore whether parenting sense of competence mediates the effect of maternal experience of perceived racism on children's social and emotional well-being. Children aged five years were at an increased risk of social and emotional difficulties if their mother had experienced perceived racism in at least one setting during pregnancy. The impact of maternal experience of perceived racism on children's social and emotional well-being was not transmitted through the mother's parenting sense of competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited empirical studies were identified to quantify parenting stress in parents of children with nephrotic syndrome (NS). This cross-sectional study aimed to address this gap by examining the prevalence and factors associated with parenting stress. Two hundred two Chinese parents of children with NS were investigated by using the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form (PSI-SF), the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSCS), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and a demographic questionnaire. The results showed that parents of children with NS experienced higher parenting stress, and 67.8% of participants reported clinical levels of parenting stress. Fathers, parents with a primary education background, low social support and parenting sense of competence, and children with a prolonged treatment childhood NS reported higher parenting stress. Developing corresponding improvement interventions targeting parenting sense of competence, or providing extra disease-related support and education for parents might lessen parenting stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parenting styles play a crucial role in children's development. However, approaches to parenting children with intellectual disability (ID) beyond Western cultures have been underexamined. This study compared the self‐reported parenting styles of Chinese mothers of children with and without ID and examined some factors that might be related. Methods: Chinese mothers of children with ID (n = 173) and mothers of typically developing children (n = 119) completed measures of their parenting style, parenting stress, parenting sense of competence and family support. Results: Both groups endorsed similar levels of authoritative parenting, but mothers of children with ID were more likely to report adopting strategies aligned with authoritarian parenting. For mothers in the ID group, family support moderated the effects of parenting stress and parenting sense of competence on authoritative parenting. Parenting stress and parenting sense of competence, respectively, predicted authoritarian parenting for mothers of children with and without ID. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of reducing parenting stress, strengthening parenting sense of competence and providing family support in order to promote optimal parenting styles for Chinese mothers of children with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on a sample of fathers, this study examined the effects of two personality traits, agreeableness and neuroticism, on parental burnout, as well as the mediating role of parenting sense of competence and moderating effects of parental psychological flexibility. Data were collected from 263 fathers of middle-school children in central China, with questionnaires including the agreeableness and neuroticism subscales from the Big Five personality trait scale, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Parenting Psychological Flexibility scale, and Parental Burnout Assessment. To analyze the hypothesized moderated mediation model, bootstrapping analysis and structural equation modeling were performed. Results showed that agreeableness was negatively correlated with parental burnout, while neuroticism was positively correlated with parental burnout; both these relationships were partially mediated by parenting sense of competency. Further, psychological flexibility moderated the relationship between parenting sense of competence and parental burnout. When parenting psychological flexibility was low, parenting sense of competence was significantly related to parental burnout, while parenting psychological flexibility was high, parenting sense of competence was not related to parental burnout significantly. These preliminary findings provide theoretical guidance and an empirical basis for intervention strategies to prevent burnout among fathers. Highlights: Considering the increasing involvement of fathers in childcare and education, the present study examined the occurrence of parental burnout, and the result showed that the prevalence of fathers' parental burnout was estimated to be between 5.76% to 9.71%. Agreeableness and neuroticism were significantly associated with parental burnout, and the above relations were partially mediated by parenting sense of competence; further, the relation between parenting sense of competence and parental burnout was moderated by parental psychological flexibility. Parental psychological flexibility and parenting sense of competence had complementary effects on parental burnout, individuals can reduce their parental burnout if either is adequate. These results may provide a new perspective to the BR2 model that when individuals have enough resources, additional resources could not result in a lower occurrence of parental burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Parenting sense of competence significantly affects the quality of parenting behaviours and healthy infant development. However, primiparous women without parenting experience may lack confidence and feel stress. This study aimed to explore the status of parenting sense of competence and identify its predictors among primiparous women. Methods A longitudinal study design was used. Primiparous women were recruited by using a convenience sample from two women’s and children’s hospitals in two cities in China. All primiparous women completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics, infant characteristics, family function, and parenting sense of competence at 1 month postpartum. At 3 months postpartum, each women’s parenting sense of competence was re-assessed. Generalised linear regression was applied to identify the predictors of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum. Results A total of 743 Chinese primiparous women were included in the analysis. The average parenting sense of competence score of the participants at 3 months postpartum was 70.18 (SD = 12.33). According to the generalised linear regression analysis, higher levels of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum were significantly associated with older age (β = 0.13, P = 0.005), better family function (β = 0.37, P

This study aimed to examine: (1) the relationship between parental psychopathology and child psychopathology in military families and (2) parenting sense of competence as a mediator of the relationship between veteran psychopathology and child psychopathology. As part of their standard clinical evaluations, 215 treatment-seeking veterans who reported having a child between the ages of 4 and 17 were assessed for psychopathology (posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and stress), their sense of competence as a parent, and their child's psychopathology (internalizing, externalizing, and attentional symptoms). A path analysis model examining parenting sense of competence as a mediator of the relationship between veteran psychopathology and child psychopathology showed significant indirect effects of veteran depression on all child psychopathology outcomes via parenting sense of competence. Parental sense of competence may be a critical mechanism linking veteran depression and child psychopathology, and may therefore be an important target for intervention.

Background. The limitations imposed by governments for containing the spread of COVID-19 have affected familial relationships, especially those of families dealing with children with special needs or chronic illness conditions. The current study aims to better understand what pathological/disability condition has impacted parental resources, sense of competence, and perception of children's executive functioning the most. Methods. A sample of 648 parents was asked to answer a survey assessing children's condition (typical development, specific learning disorder, autism spectrum syndrome, chronic illness), parental resources, parenting sense of competence (distinguished into parental satisfaction and self-efficacy), and parents' perception of their children's executive functioning. A MANOVA model was performed to assess differences in parental resources, sense of competence, and perception of the children's executive functions according to their condition. A path analysis model was performed to examine the impact of sense of competence and children's condition on parental resources and children's executive functions. Results. Parents with children with specific learning disorder reported lower scores of parental resources in terms of total scores, common antecedents, and specific antecedents compared to parents with typically developed children (total scores: MD = 56.45, p < 0.001; common antecedents: MD = 22.28, p < 0.00; specific antecedents: MD = 34.17, p < 0.001), parents with autistic children (total scores: MD = 62.79, p = 0.01; common antecedents: MD = 24.03, p = 0.01; specific antecedents: MD = 38.76, p = 0.02) and parents of children with chronic illness (total scores: MD = 37.42, p = 0.04; common antecedents: MD = 16.59, p = 0.01). The path analysis model shows a direct effect of parental satisfaction (β = 0.26) and pathology/disability (β = −0.10) on parental resources that, in turn, influence parents' perception of their children's executive functioning (β = 0.24). Conclusion. Although no data about the prepandemic situation is available, the current study highlights that parental stress influence children's cognition. Moreover, parents of children with special needs seemed to be challenged during COVID-19, especially parents of children with specific learning disorders, that are already stressed out by their children's condition. Therefore, academic services should undertake preventive measures to preserve parental well-being and to provide a supportive environment for children, especially for those with atypical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with early symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are at risk for poor academic outcomes, but it is unclear how parents mitigate this risk prior to school entry for preschool-aged boys and girls. The current study examined the impact of child gender and mothers' parenting sense of competence on the relationship between children's difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and their academic readiness. One hundred and nine families of preschool-aged children were recruited from the community. Mothers reported on their sense of parenting competence and on their child's levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children participated in a standardized clinical measure of academic readiness. Moderated moderation analyses revealed that mothers' parenting sense of competence significantly moderated the impact of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms on boys' academic readiness, but not girls'. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for parenting interventions that target academic readiness in children exhibiting early signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and difficulties with impulse control, particularly young boys showing symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the factor structure of the parenting sense of competence (PSoC), a measure of parenting self-efficacy, in a sample of parents recruited when their infants were under 2 months old. Due to the lack of longitudinal analysis of the PSoC's factor structure over time, the study sought to establish if the published two-factor structure was consistent over an 18-month period., Methods: Data collected from 536 parents who had participated in a randomised controlled trial of universal proportionate parenting support, delivered in five sites in England, were subject to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)., Results: CFA revealed that a three-factor model was the best fit for the data. Longitudinal measurement invariance testing examined the stability of the three-factor model across an 18-month period. The results suggest that while the PSoC appeared to have configural variance, the metric and scalar variance were not supported. PSoC may be unstable across time and might be unreliable as a measure of parenting competence in parents of infants., Conclusion: These findings are particularly salient for researchers and clinicians who are utilising the PSoC as a measure of change in routine practice or as part of evaluations of interventions. Further investigation of individual items is needed to refine the PSoC and improve its psychometric validity. Additional analyses are also needed to establish the invariance of the measure across different groups (age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Child: Care, Health and Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Sustaining the mental health of autistic children's parents can be demanding., Aim: To determine the effect of remote support courses on the mental health of parents and the development of autistic children., Methods: Parents of 140 autistic children were randomly assigned to two groups receiving a 2-week intervention: The control group received caregiver-mediated intervention (CMI); the experimental group received CMI with remote family psychological support courses (R-FPSC). The Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to measure parents' mental health. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Gesell Developmental Schedules were used to evaluate children's development., Results: Improved parenting stress, sense of competence, depression, and anxiety were found in both groups, but improvements in parenting stress (81.10 ± 19.76 vs 92.10 ± 19.26, P < 0.01) and sense of competence (68.83 ± 11.23 vs 63.91 ± 10.86, P < 0.01) were greater in the experimental group, although the experimental group showed no significant reduction in depression or anxiety. Children's development did not differ significantly between the groups at follow-up; however, experimental group parents exhibited a short-term increase in training enthusiasm (12.78 ± 3.16 vs 11.57 ± 3.15, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Integrating R-FPSC with CMI may be effective in reducing parenting stress, enhancing parents' sense of competence, and increasing parents' training enthusiasm., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Our study aims to examine the relationship of child’s intellectual disability, parental education, employment and perceived stress with parenting sense of competence (satisfaction and self-efficacy). Three groups of parents (children without intellectual disability, children with mild intellectual disabilities, and children with moderate/severe intellectual disability) completed measures of perceived stress, parenting sense of competence and socio-demographic questions. Results show that child’s intellectual disability affects parenting satisfaction but not parenting self-efficacy. Parental employment predicted parenting satisfaction, but not parenting self-efficacy, while perceived stress predicted parenting satisfaction and self-efficacy. Results further suggest that parental employment moderates the relationship of child's disability with parenting satisfaction and perceived stress. Result suggest a need for interventions aimed at supporting parents in dealing with emotional consequences of their child’s disability.

Parenting sense of competence plays a central role in understanding the dynamics within a family and is central to positive parenting. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated parenting sense of competence among parents facing adversity. The study aimed to investigate self-reported parenting sense of competence (PSOC) and associated factors at individual, family, social and service levels among parents using a low threshold family service in Norway. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2020. The sample consisted of 275 parents (83.3 % females, mean age 38 years). Linear regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounding factors, was conducted. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean values for mothers and fathers on the Efficacy and Satisfaction subscales of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale. Self-reported economic situation, symptoms of anxiety/depression, general health status, family functioning, social cohesion and support, and relationships with staff at the low-threshold service were all significantly associated with PSOC. However, no significant associations were found between PSOC and education level, cohabitation status, number of children, child age, substance abuse, or time spent at the low-threshold service. These findings highlight the complexity of factors influencing parental competence in populations facing adversities, underscoring the need for comprehensive approaches in parenting support programs. Tailored interventions targeting these determinants could significantly enhance the well-being of families facing adversities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parenting sense of competence significantly affects the quality of parenting behaviours and healthy infant development. However, primiparous women without parenting experience may lack confidence and feel stress. This study aimed to explore the status of parenting sense of competence and identify its predictors among primiparous women.Methods: A longitudinal study design was used. Primiparous women were recruited by using a convenience sample from two women's and children's hospitals in two cities in China. All primiparous women completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics, infant characteristics, family function, and parenting sense of competence at 1 month postpartum. At 3 months postpartum, each women's parenting sense of competence was re-assessed. Generalised linear regression was applied to identify the predictors of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum.Results: A total of 743 Chinese primiparous women were included in the analysis. The average parenting sense of competence score of the participants at 3 months postpartum was 70.18 (SD = 12.33). According to the generalised linear regression analysis, higher levels of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum were significantly associated with older age (β = 0.13, P = 0.005), better family function (β = 0.37, P <  0.001), and higher levels of parenting sense of competence (β = 0.35, P <  0.001) at 1 month postpartum. In contrast, lower levels of parenting sense of competence at 3 months postpartum were associated with poorer self-rated economic status (β = - 0.16, P = 0.027), poorer infant health (β = - 0.26, P = 0.007), and mixed or formula feeding (β = - 0.11, P = 0.018) at 1 month postpartum.Conclusions: Chinese primiparous women have a relatively good parenting sense of competence, but there is still room for improvement. Maternal age, economic status, family function, infant health, and feeding patterns were significant predictors. To improve their parenting sense of competence, more attention should be paid to primiparous women who are young, with poor economic status, having an unhealthy infant, and mixed or formula feeding. In addition, measures should also be taken during the early postpartum period to improve family function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on family triangulation has mainly focused on nuclear family triangulation. In this study we explored the effects of family-of-origin triangulation on marital stability in China, and the mediating roles of parenting sense of competence and coparenting. Participants were 1,144 Chinese parents aged 24 to 48 years, who completed surveys on family-of-origin triangulation, parenting sense of competence, coparenting, and marital stability. The results show that family-of-origin triangulation was negatively associated with marital stability. This relationship was mediated by coparenting, but the mediating effect of parenting sense of competence was nonsignificant. In addition, parenting sense of competence and coparenting sequentially mediated the relationship between family-of-origin triangulation and marital stability. Our findings highlight the risk of harm to marital stability from family-of-origin triangulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) is one of the most commonly used self-report measures of parenting competence, yet there exists limited work documenting its psychometric properties among ethnically and culturally diverse populations of parents. We evaluated the factor structure and validity of the PSOC (administered in English and Spanish) among a sample of low-income, predominantly Spanish-speaking Mexican-origin mothers of infants in the United States. Two hundred and five women (mean age 27.8) reported on their parenting competence, parenting stress, depressive symptoms, and infant's temperament at 12 months postpartum. A two-factor structure (parenting satisfaction and parenting self-efficacy) emerged as the best fit to the data. Both subscores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and validity evidence. Findings extend existing work documenting a two-factor structure of the PSOC and provides preliminary validity support for use of the PSOC and Spanish-translated PSOC among Mexican American mothers. Highlights: Psychometric evaluation of the PSOC scale among Mexican American (MA) mothers. Two factor structure emerged: parenting satisfaction and parenting self-efficacy. Results support use of PSOC scale in Spanish among MA mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the use of support groups among adoptive parents, few empirical works have assessed outcomes associated with participation in these groups, particularly those delivered via virtual platforms. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of participation in a virtual, pilot-phase 10-week adoptive parent support group, on adoptive parent stress and parental competence. The pilot included support groups at two sites in one south-eastern state, one urban and the other rural. Data were collected via a retrospective pre-/post-design and utilized the Parental Stress Scale and Parental Sense of Competency measures to assess variables of interest. Analyses indicate significant increases in adoptive parent competency and significant decreases in parental stress within support groups at the urban site. No such significant differences were detected for participants in the rural group. Overall, findings indicate that support groups can be beneficial in addressing challenges associated with caregiver stress and competency among adoptive parents. As well, data suggest the need to be attentive to support group structure and duration, among other factors. After a brief review of pertinent background information, this paper will outline findings from this study and discuss salient implications derived from this effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aims to examine the relationship of child's intellectual disability, parental education, employment and perceived stress with parenting sense of competence (satisfaction and self-efficacy). Three groups of parents (children without intellectual disability, children with mild intellectual disabilities, and children with moderate/severe intellectual disability) completed measures of perceived stress, parenting sense of competence and socio-demographic questions. Results show that child's intellectual disability affects parenting satisfaction but not parenting self-efficacy. Parental employment predicted parenting satisfaction, but not parenting selfefficacy, while perceived stress predicted parenting satisfaction and self-efficacy. Results further suggest that parental employment moderates the relationship of child's disability with parenting satisfaction and perceived stress. Result suggest a need for interventions aimed at supporting parents in dealing with emotional consequences of their child's disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background For first-time mothers, not knowing how to interact with newborn infants increases anxiety and decreases the quality of the parent–infant interactions. A substantial lack of interactional knowledge can ultimately limit the adjustments necessary for a stable transition into motherhood. This study investigated how postpartum parenting education influenced first-time mothers’ mother–infant interaction quality and parenting sense of competence. Methods Eighty-one healthy first-time-mother and infant dyads were recruited. The control group (n = 40) received postpartum care based on the medical and cultural norms practiced in Taiwan, while the experimental group (n = 41) received, on top of typical care, education by way of a 40-min videotape on infant states, behaviors, and communication cues, as well as a handout on play practices. Data were collected at five points: within the first week, and during follow-ups in the first, second, third, and sixth months after birth. We administered the Chinese versions of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale and Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale, and used the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale to score videotaped mother–infant interactions. Results We observed an increase in the quality of mother–infant interaction within the experimental group only. Furthermore, at the five assessment points, we observed no significant changes in perceived parenting competence. Among all subjects, there were correlations between postpartum depression scores, parenting competency, and quality of mother–infant interaction. Conclusions Our results indicate that first-time mothers in Taiwan who are provided with extra education on infants’ abilities and how to effectively play with infants are likely to exhibit improvements in quality of interaction.

The study examined the association between autism traits and parenting when raising a typically developing (TD) child, and differences in parenting needs between parents with high and low traits. Fifty-eight parents with a blood relative with Autism (who happened to be an offspring with ASD in all cases) and a TD child completed the Autism Quotient, demographic and psychological information, as well as reporting on Parenting Sense of Competence, the Parent–Child Relationship, and Parenting Needs. Autism traits did not uniquely contribute to parenting self-esteem, but were associated with parenting difficulties for their TD child, and some aspects of this parent–child relationship. Parents with high autism traits reported more parenting difficulties than parents with low traits. The study identified specific aspects of parenting needing support to assist parents with high autism traits prosper in their parenting role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents' perceptions of their parenting competence predict successful implementation of parenting tasks and contribute to their interest and involvement in parenting and to their children's development. Thus, identifying factors that contribute to parents' perceptions of parenting competence can help inform efforts to promote children's safety and well‐being. The present study employs social disorganization theory to examine the relationship between collective efficacy and parents' sense of competence, measured along two dimensions: parental efficacy and parental satisfaction. It examines the direct association between the two constructs and whether the association is mediated by parent perceptions of their quality of life (QOL) and sense of hope. Data were collected from 198 parents residing in a neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv, Israel. The analyses indicated that high collective efficacy was directly associated with high parental efficacy, but not with high parental satisfaction. Using structural equation modeling, a mediation model was found whereby higher collective efficacy was associated with (a) higher QOL, which in turn was related to a greater sense of hope, which was linked with higher parental efficacy; and (b) higher QOL, which was directly associated with higher parental satisfaction. The findings provide further support to the idea that neighborhood characteristics play an important role in parents' ability to care for their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Personality traits are associated with the onset and course of postpartum depression. The impact of maladaptive personality traits on mother-child bonding and parenting is less studied. Therefore, the aims of this study are to investigate: a) the frequency of maladaptive personality styles in women with postpartum depression; b) the association between personality styles and the course of maternal psychopathology; and c) the association between personality styles and mother-child bonding and parenting competence.Methods: We examined n = 123 patients of a mother-baby unit with the Personality Style and Disorder Inventory (PSSI) at admission and instruments assessed maternal psychopathological symptoms (BSI), mother-child bonding (PBQ), and parenting sense of competence (PSOC) at admission and discharge.Results: Maladaptive personality styles were frequent. Women with postpartum depression had higher scores on the schizoid, avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, negativistic, dependent, borderline, depressive, and self-forgetting PSSI scales than women of the general population. The presence of maladaptive personality styles was associated with higher psychopathology, impaired mother-child bonding, and lower parenting sense of competence at admission. From admission to discharge, women showed significant improvements on psychopathology, bonding and parenting irrespective of the presence of maladaptive personality styles. However, mothers with maladaptive personality styles still had higher psychopathology and impaired mother-child bonding at discharge compared to mothers with normal PSSI scores.Limitations: Data is based upon a clinical sample of women hospitalized in a mother-child unit. Results are not representative for all women with postpartum depression.Conclusions: Our results underline the need for early identification of maladaptive personality styles and for the adequate treatment and monitoring of women with postpartum depression. It can be anticipated that women suffering from maladaptive personality styles will need ongoing care to prevent long-term negative outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intergenerational factors have been suggested as a critical interactional context shaping African American fathers' beliefs and parenting practices. However, relatively little attention has been given to the identification of underlying processes guiding the association between intergenerational factors and African American fathers' involvement with their children. The current investigation builds the case for fathering role ideologies and sense of parenting competence as mediators. The sample was composed of 185 African American fathers (M = 32.20 years, SD = 8.24) residing in a midsized city in the Southeastern region of the United States. Results revealed that fathering role ideologies, but not sense of parenting competence, mediated the relationship between African American fathers' intergenerational factors and their involvement. Findings from this investigation highlight underlying mechanisms guiding the relationship between intergenerational factors and African American fathers' involvement with their children. Implications for intervention and prevention programming for African American fathers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Parenting sense of competence, as measured by the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSCS), is defined as one's levels of satisfaction and self-efficacy experienced in the parenting role. Previous studies have identified significant associations among PSCS scores and a host of parenting characteristics predictive of child outcomes. Existing approaches to improving parenting sense of competence focus on developing parenting knowledge and skills; however, other modifiable contributing factors to parenting sense of competence may exist. We examined associations among fatigue, physical activity, and parenting sense of competence in a community sample of female primary caregivers of young children (N = 137) recruited from a university-based pediatric primary care clinic. Methods: Participants completed measures of child disruptive behavior disorders, parent fatigue, and parent physical activity level. Parenting sense of competence was measured with the 16-item PSCS. Results: Participants' mean age was 32 years (SD = 8 years), and most were non-Hispanic (87%) and White (70%). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant independent associations of fatigue (β = −0.19, p = 0.02) and physical activity level (β = 0.20 and β = 0.25, p < 0.05) with parenting sense of competence, controlling for child disruptive behaviors, child age, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: In this non-clinical sample of mothers of young children, the significant relationships among fatigue, physical activity level, and parenting sense of competence could suggest potential targets for preventive intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research suggests that parents who perceive themselves as more effective and satisfied report less stress when raising a child with autism. We examined associations between parenting sense of competence, reported family support needs, and parental future expectations, with a sample of mothers of children with autism. Method: Mothers completed a cross-sectional online survey, which included a measure of expectations: Hopes for the Future, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale and the Family Needs Survey. Results: Analysis revealed that mothers with lower support needs had greater parenting satisfaction; and mothers with more positive expectations perceived themselves to be more effective. Ethnicity, expectations, and lower levels of perceived family support needs, were predictors of greater satisfaction. Higher positive expectations predicted a greater sense of efficacy. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for further research into the factors that underlie parental efficacy and expectations when parenting a child with autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Nursing of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Parenting sense of competence (PSOC) is a critical aspect of parental adjustment that may be undermined by children's disruptive behavior. Interparental relationships have been shown to shape how parents react and respond to their children's characteristics, but little is known about the role of parenting teamwork, known as 'coparenting.' We examined mothers' and fathers' perceptions of children's disruptive behavior and the quality of coparenting, as well as their interaction in association with PSOC. Mothers and fathers from 108 'intact' families participating in the Twins, Family, and Behavior (TFaB) Study reported on their children's disruptive behavior, coparenting and PSOC via postal questionnaire (Mchild age = 6 years, SDchild age = 6.12 months). Dyadic multilevel analyses revealed that higher levels of children's disruptive behavior related to lower levels of parents' PSOC and perceptions of higher-quality coparenting were associated with higher PSOC. Notably, and as hypothesized, there was a significant interaction between coparenting and children's disruptive behavior such that perceptions of high quality coparenting buffered PSOC from its negative association with children's disruptive behavior. High-quality coparenting is an important aspect of family functioning that may protect the PSOC of parents dealing with high levels of children's disruptive behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined mother and child temperament as correlates of mothers' perceptions of the parenting role and considered whether mother and child traits combine to relate to parenting beliefs. Participants were 107 mothers of 21- to 27-month-old toddlers (53 males). Mothers reported their own and their toddlers' temperament and their own parenting sense of competence. Consistent with past work, both maternal and child traits were independently associated with parenting sense of competence. Mother and child negative emotionality were associated with less parenting sense of competence, and child sociability was associated with more parenting sense of competence. Relations between child activity level and parenting beliefs were mixed, with child activity level associated with less efficacy, but more interest, in parenting. Some of the relations between child temperament and maternal parenting beliefs also varied depending on mothers' temperament. Child low negative emotionality and high sociability were associated with more parenting sense of competence only when mothers also shared these traits. Child shyness was associated with more parenting sense of competence only among mothers who were more sociable. Findings underscore the importance of considering parenting beliefs in the context of both mother and child temperament traits. Highlights We examined child and maternal traits in relation to parenting efficacy, satisfaction, and interest in mothers of toddlers., Child negativity, activity, sociability, and shyness were related to mothers' parenting beliefs, and some of these associations varied depending on mothers' temperament., Research that considers both mother and child traits in relation to parenting self-perceptions may ultimately inform interventions to promote positive parenting beliefs and optimal child development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental competence is a key aspect of parenting. Since they have no previous experience of having a baby, first-time mothers should acquire certain skills to be competent enough in caring for their baby. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual education in parenting skills on the parenting competence of first-time mothers with a 0-2-year-old baby., Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted through convenience sampling; 72 first-time mothers were selected from 12 healthcare centers, 62 of whom met the criteria for entering the study, and divided into an experimental (n=31) and a control (n=31) group. The mothers in the experimental group received virtual education in parenting skills in six sessions, each lasting 10 minutes for two weeks. The data were collected using a demographics questionnaire and Gibaud-Wallston's parenting sense of competence scale. Sense of competence was assessed in three stages: before, immediately after, and one month after the completion of the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS v. 22 at a significance level of less than 0.05., Results: Results showed a statistically significant increase in the experimental group's parenting competence mean score immediately and one month after the intervention (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the study groups as measured immediately after (P=0.043) and one month after the intervention (P<0.001)., Conclusion: Virtual education of parenting skills could have a positive impact on the mothers' parenting competence. It is suggested that first-time mothers should be educated in parenting skills on a face-to-face basis in maternity wards and online after discharge., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright: © International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery.)

Mothers of children with disability experience higher levels of stress, and this increased level of stress tends to be chronic and long-lasting. Mothers of children with disability play an essential role in the successful rehabilitation of their children, and when they are mentally and physically healthy and have a high sense of competence, they can provide support and protection for their children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a group-delivered intervention program Caregivers' Self-Help and Competence (CSC) which aims to help mothers restore their ability to engage in social functions, to reduce stress, and to facilitate parenting competence. The research group consisted of 96 mothers: 34 mothers who attended the CSC group, 28 mothers who attended a social support group, and 34 mothers who did not attend either. Mothers completed the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) and the Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI/SF) before and after participation in the groups. The results showed that mothers' participation in the intervention program CSC increased the parenting sense of competence and decreased parenting stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As parental competencies are of importance for the development of children, these competencies are often fostered in parent training programs. Research suggests that a lack of fit between training contents and parental perceptions and expectations might result in a lower effectiveness of a parent training. Consequently, parents' subjective perceptions of trainings should be in the focus of research on the effects of parent trainings. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a parent training (MonteBaRo-Training) and analyzed pre-post-test changes. Parents who participated in the program ( N = 117) and a waiting list control group ( N = 88) were surveyed about children's behavior problems, parenting sense of competence and dysfunctional parenting at two measurement occasions. Results indicated that the training was effective in improving parenting sense of competence, the perceptions of child problem behavior and dysfunctional parenting. Subjectively perceived usefulness of the training was associated with a change in children's behavior problems and the parenting sense of competence after the completion of the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuities and changes in parenting sense of competence were examined for mothers of children with Down syndrome from early childhood to adolescence. The sample comprised 25 mothers whose child with Down syndrome was aged 4-6 years in the first phase of the study, and 11-15 years at the second time point. Maternal satisfaction with parenting increased over time, but there were no changes in parenting self-efficacy. Scores on these measures were no different from those reported in a normative sample of mothers of typically developing children, suggesting that the challenges of parenting a child with Down syndrome do not impact significantly on parenting sense of competence during the early childhood and adolescent periods. There were some significant relationships of maternal sense of competence with child characteristics and self-reported parenting style, mostly in the expected direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effectiveness of the BEA Parent Training Program in Latvia designed to enhance mothers' parenting sense of competence and decrease preschool age children's behavior problems. In total 106 mothers of preschool-age children participated: 60 mothers who participated in a 10-week parent training program and 46 mothers who were included in the control group. Mothers completed the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC; Johnston & Mash, 1989) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1,5-5; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000) pre- and post-training, and at 6 month follow-up. The results show that mothers' participation in the parent training program led to an increase in their parenting sense of competence and a decrease in the mother-reported child behavior problems. These changes remained consistent at the 6 month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]