Measuring Multidimensional Parental Self‐Efficacy of Mothers and Fathers of Children Ages 1.5 and 3 Years

This study aimed to analyze the factor structure of Coleman and Karraker's (2003) Self‐Efficacy of the Parenting Task Index Toddlers Scale, which assesses mothers' and fathers' parental self‐efficacy (PSE) at child ages 1.5 and 3 years. A 5‐factor model consisting of Presence, Emotional Support, Routines, Playing, and Teaching was found to have good measurement validity. All PSE dimensions were at least moderately stable between child ages 1.5 and 3 years. Except for Playing, mothers evaluated their PSE stronger than did fathers. Overall, parents evaluated their PSE dimensions stronger while their child was 1.5 than 3 years old. Parents' psychosocial problems during pregnancy predicted lower levels of PSE. Overall, 25% to 34% of parental self‐efficacy was explained by parents' prior psychosocial well‐being, yet parents' levels of PSE were rather independent to each other in the sense that either psychosocial well‐being or PSE of partner did not predict other parent's later PSE.
Source: Family Relations - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research