Exploring Associations Between Maternal Self-Efficacy, Optimism, Well-Being and Mother-Adolescent Communication Concerning Risk Behaviors

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This study examined how maternal self-efficacy, optimism, and well-being correlate with the communication quality between mothers and their adolescent children about risk behaviors. Adolescence is marked by identity exploration and increased risk behaviors, such as substance use and risky sexual activity. Effective parent-adolescent communication can guide youth but requires parenting skills that are often lacking. According to Belsky’s process model (1984), parental traits like self-efficacy, optimism, and well-being impact parenting experiences and child outcomes. The study surveyed 203 mothers of adolescents aged 10-18, using validated questionnaires to assess self-efficacy, optimism, well-being, and the quality and frequency of risk communication (our emphasis is on sexuality related content within broader risk communication). The findings revealed positive associations between all three maternal traits and the quality of communication about risks. Self-efficacy emerged as the strongest predictor, explaining 9% of the variance in communication quality. However, no correlation was found between maternal traits and the frequency of these discussions. This research highlights the importance of promoting maternal psychological resources to enhance communication with adolescents about risk behaviors, thereby supporting healthier youth development. Future research could explore other factors, such as the role of adolescent gender, in shaping these communication dynamics. Additionally, fostering these maternal traits may enhance parent-child communication and support risk prevention efforts.