Parenting Sense Of Competence Scale Research Articles

A cost-effectiveness analysis of a universal, preventative-focused, parent and infant programme

BackgroundThis study assessed whether a relatively newly developed Parent and Infant (PIN) parenting support programme was cost-effective when compared to services as usual (SAU).MethodsThe cost-effectiveness of the PIN programme versus SAU was assessed from an Irish health and social care perspective over a 24-month timeframe and within the context of a non-randomised, controlled before-and-after trial. In total, 163 parent-infant dyads were included in the study (86 intervention, 77 control). The primary outcome measure for the economic evaluation was the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC).ResultsThe average cost of the PIN programme was €647 per dyad. The mean (SE) cost (including programme costs) was €7,027 (SE €1,345) compared to €4,811 (SE €593) in the control arm, generating a (non-significant) mean cost difference of €2,216 (bootstrap 95% CI -€665 to €5,096; p = 0.14). The mean incremental cost-effectiveness of the PIN service was €614 per PSOC unit gained (bootstrap 95% CI €54 to €1,481). The probability that the PIN programme was cost-effective, was 87% at a willingness-to-pay of €1,000 per one unit change in the PSOC.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the PIN programme was cost-effective at a relatively low willingness-to-pay threshold when compared to SAU. This study addresses a significant knowledge gap in the field of early intervention by providing important real world evidence on the implementation costs and cost-effectiveness of a universal early years parenting programme. The challenges involved in assessing the cost-effectiveness of preventative interventions for very young children and their parents are also discussed.Trial registrationISRCTN17488830 (Date of registration: 27/11/15). This trial was retrospectively registered.

The moderating effect of parenting efficacy on the relationship between child's temperament and parental depression

BackgroundAccording to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Korean Survey of Children (2018), 13.7% of the primary caregivers experienced depression. Depression experienced by main caregiver negative effect on the development of their children. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the moderating effect of parenting efficacy on the relationship between child temperament and parental depression.Participants and setting: A total of 468 participants, including 431 women (92.1%) and 37 men (7.9%) were included in the study. This study analyzed data from the Korean Survey of Children (For Parents, 2018) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea. MethodsThe survey was conducted from January 7, 2019, to February 28, 2019. In this study, the Emotionality, Activity, and Sociability Scale (EAS), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and The Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) were used to measure children's temperament, parental depression, and parenting efficacy. This study used PROCESS Macro 3.5 for SPSS 25.0 to analyze the moderating effect. Additionally, simple regression was conducted to verify the interaction effect. ResultsThe results showed that the emotionality of children is positively related to their parents’ states of depression. Their sociality was negatively associated with parental depression. However, children's activities were not associated with parental depression. Second, parenting efficacy was negatively related to parental depression. Third, parenting efficacy moderated the relationship between the emotionality of children and parental depression. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that there is a correlation between parent–child interaction, as well as parenting efficacy and parents' depression level. It is particularly significant in that it presents the necessity and theoretical basis for a parenting program.

The Effect of Virtual Education in Parenting Skills on the Parenting Sense of Competence in First-time Mothers with a 0-2-year-old Baby: A Quasi-experimental Study.

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. 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 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). 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.

Fordyce happiness training program on the competence of mothers of premature infants admitted to the NICU from Middle East: A quasi-experimental study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Fordyce Happiness Training Program on the parental competence of mothers of premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This quasi-experimental study was performed on 80 mothers of premature infants who were admitted to a NICU in Iran. Mean Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) scores of participants in the intervention group before and after training were 61.32±6.44 and 68.52±2.52. Mean PSOC scores for those in the control group before and after the intervention were 64.47±11.08 and 65.30±6.90, respectively. The two groups showed significant differences in terms of parental competence after the happiness training program (p=0.0001). NICU admission of a premature baby not only has a negative effect on the mother's emotional state but it can also adversely affect the parental sense of competence. Therefore, considering the psychological needs of mothers of premature infants, it is worth considering implementation of programs such as Fordyce Happiness Training, to promote and maintain the mental health of mothers.

Parents with a mental illness and their sense of parenting competence

ABSTRACT Objective 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. Method 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. Results 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. Discussion 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.

Parenting confidence and social support as predictors of coping strategies in parents of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional study.

The aims of the study were to describe coping strategies in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder at the early stage of diagnosis and to examine the predictive effects of parenting confidence and social support on coping strategies. A descriptive cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 193 parents of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Guangzhou, China, were included from October 2020 to January 2021. The Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale and Social Support Rating Scale were employed for data collection. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses examined the relationship between coping strategies and the independent variables. The mean positive coping strategies score was higher than the negative coping strategies score. Parenting efficacy, subjective support and support utilization predicted positive coping strategies, and parenting satisfaction was a protective factor against negative coping strategies. Parents tend to engage in positive coping at the early stage of diagnosis. Improving parenting confidence and social support might help parents adopt positive coping strategies and prevent negative coping. More effective and long-term support for families of children with autism spectrum disorder is expected. Interventions should be focused on enhancing parenting satisfaction and efficacy to employ positive coping strategies and decrease negative coping. We adhered to EQUATOR guidelines and reported results based on STROBE guidelines. No patient or public involvement.

Tele-Coaching Korean Parents for Improving Occupational Performance of Toddlers: Three Case Reports

Telehealth has been applied to occupational therapy practice since the COVID-19 pandemic, but no research has been conducted on the use of telehealth to improve the occupational performances of Korean children and parents. This study explored the possibility of tele-coaching parents to improve toddlers' occupational performance and parenting competence in Korea. Three mothers of toddlers received Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) via videoconference. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) were used pre- and post-intervention to measure the occupational performances of the toddlers and parents and parenting competence. Post-intervention interviews were conducted to explore the parents' experiences with the tele-coaching and analyzed by content analysis. Most of the COPM scores showed a significant increase. The PSOC scores also increased. The mothers reported their learning, the changes in their children, the appropriateness of the coaching, and the usefulness of the tele-coaching delivery. The findings demonstrate the potential of tele-coaching as a practical intervention for Korean children and parents.

Investigating the effect of educational interventions on maternal competence: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There have been many studies on maternal competence, but in the studies conducted in this field, different methods have been applied to educate mothers on maternal competence, which do not have a unified approach. This study aims to investigate the effect of educational interventions on maternal competence using a meta-analysis method. In this meta-analysis, a search was made in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Proquest, Google scholar, SID, and Magiran databases using Mesh and non-Mesh keywords between January 1992 and September 2022. The inclusion criteria included: Studies in which educational and counseling interventions on maternal competence have been investigated, studies that have used the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC), RCT or interventional studies, participants who were primiparous women, articles that were published in English and Farsi, studies that reported sample size, mean and standard deviation of maternal competence scores in the intervention and control groups, and studies that scored at least 3 on the Jadad scale. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5.3). In this meta-analysis and systematic review, finally, seven articles met the criteria for entering the research. The number of samples in the intervention group was 430 and in the control group was 429. The average maternal competence score with a 95% confidence interval was 3.51. This meta-analysis showed that educational interventions during pregnancy and after delivery could affect improving the competence of primiparous mothers. Education has increased the maternal competence score in the intervention group by 3.51 units compared to the control group.

Parenting Sense of Competence: Psychometrics and Invariance among a Community and an At-Risk Samples of Portuguese Parents.

Parenting sense of competence refers to parents' perception about their ability to perform the parenting role, one of the key dimensions in family dynamics. This construct is even more important in families at psychosocial risk, where the exercise of parenting can be more challenging. The Parenting Sense of Competence scale (PSOC) is a self-report measure that aims to assesses one's perceived efficacy and satisfaction with parenting. In this cross-sectional and instrumental study, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the PSOC among a Portuguese sample of community (n = 205) and at-psychological-risk (n = 273) parents. Participants completed the PSOC, the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale, the Parenting Stress Index, and the Parenting Alliance Inventory. Results from confirmatory factor analysis showed that a two-factor revised model obtained the best fit, with some items being removed. Our data confirmed that the PSOC has good psychometric properties, with acceptable reliability and validity and measurement invariance across the community and the at-risk samples. Findings of this psychometric exploration provided evidence that the PSOC is a reliable measure of easy application and interpretation for assessing the perceived competence of Portuguese parents.

Single Adoptive Parents and Their Adoptee Adolescents: Building Parenting Competencies and Secure Attachments

Single adoptive parents and their adoptees who transition into adolescence are likely to face several challenges. This article reports the impact of a WhatsApp-based spiritual education lessons (SEL) intervention on bolstering parenting competencies and secure attachments of single adoptive parents-adoptee adolescent dyads (Npre-test = 86; Npost-test = 76). An active control group based experimental design was used with WhatsApp-based general posts as the control condition. Parenting competencies were assessed pre- and post-test by the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) and Me as a Parent Scale (MaaP) and adolescent attachment outcomes were assessed by the Friends and Family Interview (FFI). Results supported the intervention and the SEL posts had greater impact on mother-daughter dyads, middle class, ever-single adoptive parents, highly qualified, professionals-salaried, and whose intervention compliance was higher. Actor-partner interdependence models indicated that single adoptive parents’ and adoptee adolescents’ outcomes were mutually associated. Latent class analysis suggested an eight-latent-class model of participant clusters likely to gain more from the SEL intervention, which included: adoptee female adolescents-ever-single adoptive female parents, adoptee male adolescents-ever-single adoptive female parents, middle class, highly qualified, professional-salaried, and who complied with the intervention by reading posts and completing homework above the recommended threshold.

Childhood maltreatment and sense of parenting competence: The mediating role of parental reflective functioning and perceived social support

ObjectivesChildhood maltreatment has a negative impact on a sense of parenting competition. However, its underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The present research aimed to investigate the roles of parental reflective functioning and social support as mediating factors in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and negative feeling of parenting competence. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on 489 parents of children aged 5 to 13 between October 23 and December 12, 2021, in Shiraz, Iran. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied using AMOS 22 to test our conceptual model. ResultsThe results of structural equation modeling indicated that childhood maltreatment had a negative direct effect on the sense of parenting competence. Furthermore, childhood maltreatment had a negative indirect effect on the sense of parenting competence through both parental reflective functioning and perceived social support. ConclusionsThe findings suggested that increased exposure to childhood maltreatment may have decreased parental competence. However, the important role of parental reflective functioning and perceived social support in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and parenting competence should not be ignored. These results can have some implications for counselors working with parents with childhood trauma experiences.

Factors Associated With Parenting Stress in Parents of Children With Nephrotic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

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.

Evaluation of the Polish version of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale in parents of typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorders.

Parental self-efficacy describes parents' self-perceived competence in fulfilling their roles. The Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) is one of the most commonly used self-report instruments, allowing for parental self-efficacy measurement. This paper summarizes the results of three studies (total N= 2088) conducted to examine factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and criterion validity of the Polish version of PSOC (PSOC-PL). The studies were carried out among parents (mothers and fathers) of typically developing 14- and 15-year-olds (Study 1, n= 1404) as well as among parents of typically developing children aged 6-16 (Study 2, n= 248), parents of typically developing children and children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (Study 3, n = 436, ages ranged from 6 to 13). Confirmatory factor analysis (Study 1) demonstrated an acceptable fit of the theorized two-factor model, with theorized Satisfaction and Efficacy factors. The subscales' internal consistencies were satisfactory across all studies (Studies 1-3), and PSOC's test-retest reliability (Study 2) over a 3-week interval was very high. Parents of children with developmental disorders (Study 3) reported lower efficacy than parents of typically developing children. The results of these three studies attest that the Polish version of PSOC is a reliable and valid measure of parental self-efficacy beliefs.

The Early STEPS Pilot Study: The Impact of a Brief Consultation Session on Self-reported Parenting Satisfaction.

Evidence-based parenting interventions can augment parental knowledge and skills to reduce parental stress and increase self-efficacy, leading to improved developmental outcomes for children. However, parenting interventions are often multi-session and require considerable time commitments from parents and primary care physicians. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effect of a brief consultation session on self-reported parental satisfaction and to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating occupational therapists (OTs) into a low-income urban pediatric primary care setting to conduct developmental screenings. OTs conducted one 45-min consultation on positive parenting practices and promoting child development with parents in a pediatric primary care practice. A one group pretest-posttest design with 6-month follow-up was utilized. Participants included 55 families with 60 children, ages 2 to 65months 30days. The primary outcome measure was the change in Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) scores from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Additional outcomes were screening results, referral numbers, and follow through in obtaining early intervention services. The paired difference between PSOC scores at baseline and 6months indicated a significant increase in parenting satisfaction (p < 0.0001). Of 41 children referred, 26 were eligible and obtained services, 12 were lost to follow-up, and 3 did not qualify for services. Our preliminary findings suggest one consultation session on positive parenting practices and promoting child development may increase parenting satisfaction. Moreover, OTs can reduce the burden on primary care physicians by providing screenings, consultations, and follow-up. Further research is warranted to evaluate these findings.

Reliability and validity test of Chinese version of the Karitane parenting confidence scale

Objective: To translate and revise the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS),which can be used to evaluate the parenting confidence of 0-12 months infant caregivers in China, and evaluate the reliability and validity test of Chinese version of KPCS. Methods: Form a Chinese version of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale through translation, back translation and expert review. Mothers of 3-month-old infants were recruited from two Maternal and Child Health Hospitals in Beijing and Ma'anshan in April 2019. A total of 165 mothers responded the survey invitations. They were surveyed with self-administered questionnaires, the Chinese version of KPCS, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) and Self-efficacy in Infant Care Scale (SICS). Item analysis was conducted to select items by using critical value and correlation coefficient. The construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis. The criterion validity was assessed by being compared with PSOC and SICS. The reliability analysis was assessed by Cronbach's α the split-half reliability coefficient and rest-retest reliability coefficient. Results: The scores of 15 items were all correlated with the total score of the Chinese version of KPCS with r ranging from -0.283 to 0.643 (P<0.001). The difference of critical values of all items of KPCS among the low and high score groups were statistically significant (P<0.001). Three factors labeled parenting, support, and sense of competence, were obtained by exploratory factor analysis which accounting for 49.52% of the total variance and the factor loading values of all items are more than 0.4. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the hypothesized three-factor structure. The total score of KPCS was significantly correlated with the total score of PSOC and SICS(r=0.381, 0.345, P<0.001). The Cronbach's α of the Chinese version of KPCS was 0.769, and each dimension of Cronbach's α were 0.332-0.800, the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.817, and the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.789. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the Karitane parenting confidence scale has a good reliability and validity among the 0-12 month-old infants' mothers, which can be used to evaluate the parenting confidence of infant caregivers.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of parenting sense of competence scale in mothers of preschool children

Objective To test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of parenting sense of competence scale (PSOC) in Chinese mothers of preschool children, and to explore the perception of preschool children's mothers on their own parenting skills and their comfort of being a parent in Yanqing District of Beijing. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample in 1 384 preschool children's mothers in Yanqing District of Beijing. SPSS 21.0 and Mplus 7.4 software were used for statistical analysis to test the structural validity, criterion related validity, internal consistency and split half reliability of the scale, and to analyze the score of the scale and its influencing factors. Results The PSOC had good reliability and validity. Exploratory factor analysis showed that each item of the PSOC had more than 0.4 factor loading in efficacy factor or satisfaction factor, and there was no double load phenomenon. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the factor loadings ranged from 0.212 to 0.843 in efficacy factor and satisfaction factor, respectively. The goodness of fit test showed that all the fitting indexes were within the acceptable range, and the correlation between the effectiveness subscale and the satisfaction subscale was high. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the whole scale, the efficacy subscale and the satisfaction subscale were 0.872, 0.802, and 0.874, respectively. The Spearman-Brown coefficient of PSOC was 0.851. The average score of the whole scale, the efficacy subscale, and the satisfaction subscale were 72.33±11.31, 35.54±5.91, and 36.79±7.11, respectively, and the score of parenting competence in Chinese mothers of preschool children was influenced by the mother's educational level and the annual income of her family. Conclusion The PSOC has satisfactory reliability and validity in Chinese mothers of preschool children. It can be used as an evaluation instrument for measuring the parenting competency, self perceived efficacy and satisfaction in the mainland Chinese mothers of preschool children. The competency of preschool children's mothers in Yanqing District of Beijing is very good, which may be related to the higher education level of the mothers and the higher annual income of their families in this study.

A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Caring in Chaos—A Volunteer-delivered Parent Training Program in Denmark

Parental competence and child functioning may be enhanced through behavioral parent training (BPT). However, conducting BPT is associated with substantial costs, and availability is often limited. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of a BPT program in Denmark, Caring in Chaos (CiC), delivered by skilled volunteers (CiC trainers). Parents of three-nine-year-old children with ADHD or similar difficulties were recruited and randomized into treatment (n = 80 children, N = 160 parents) or waitlist control (n = 81 children, N = 162 parents). Parenting competence and child functioning were assessed using the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) and the Home Situations Questionnaire (HSQ) at baseline and four-month follow-up. Costs for providers included non-recurrent costs, set-up costs, and running costs, and costs for participants were assessed by time use. The total recurrent cost per family is $1,178 (PPP adjusted, 2015) (8,601 DKK, 2015), and the average time use by families is 34.96 h (SD = 11.55). From a provider perspective, CiC is cost effective with a 90% probability, if providers are willing to pay $2,230 (16,287 DKK) or $5,579 (40,744 DKK) per SD gain in PSOC or HSQ, respectively. From a participant perspective, CiC is time effective with a 90% probability, if participants are willing to spend 67 or 165 h per SD gain in PSOC or HSQ, respectively. Overall, our findings suggest that the cost-effectiveness of volunteer-delivered BPT, such as CiC, compares favorably with the cost-effectiveness of BPT programs delivered by professionals.

Spanish version of the Parenting Sense of Competence scale: Evidence of reliability and validity

AbstractPerceived parenting competence influences parenting practices and is a decisive factor in child development and health. There is a lack of valid and reliable tools in Spain to measure perceived parenting competence. The objective was to adapt the Parenting Sense of Competence scale (PSOC) and analyse its psychometric properties in a sample of 600 mothers of children aged between 6 and 12 months old from Spain. The PSOC was translated into Spanish (PSOC‐E) using a standard forward‐ and back‐translation process. Internal consistency, factor structure, and comparisons between known groups and correlations with other variables were assessed. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the original two‐factor structure: satisfaction and efficacy. The PSOC‐E showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .85). Perceived parenting competence was negatively associated (P &lt; .01) with parental depression, fatigue, and parental stress and positively associated (P &lt; .01) with dyadic adjustment. An equivalent Spanish version of the PSOC was obtained with good evidence of reliability and validity.

Contributions of Parenting Sense of Competence to Family Functioning in a Sample of Military-Connected Families Living in the Community

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the potential contributions of parenting sense of competence and parental psychological symptoms to family functioning in a sample of military-connected families attending public elementary school. Fifty-six parents (61.8% female; 92.9% White; 5.3% Hispanic; mean age = 38.5, SD = 7.03) completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC), and the General Functioning Scale of the Family Assessment Device (GF-FAD). Participants’ GF-FAD scores negatively correlated with their PSOC scores ( r = −.48, p &lt; .001). A negative trend between the PSOC scores and DASS scores is observed ( r = −.25 p &lt; .06). A multiple regression analysis indicates that both scores on PSOC (β = −.46, p &lt; .001) and DASS (β = 0.3, p = .01) were independently associated with the GF-FAD scores. These results suggest that among military families, a sense of efficacy as a parent may influence family functioning above and beyond the effect of parental distress and that interventions designed to promote sense of parenting competence may improve military family functioning through a process different than that of interventions to alleviate psychological distress.

Fatigue and physical activity: Potential modifiable contributors to parenting sense of competence.

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. 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. 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=.02) and physical activity level (β=0.20 and β=0.25, p<.05) with parenting sense of competence, controlling for child disruptive behaviors, child age, and socioeconomic status. 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.