Self-perception of parental competence in parents of pre-school children

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The concept of self-perception of parental competence refers to how parents perceive their performance, beliefs and attitudes in their role as parents, the ability to address specific problems and find effective solutions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the self-perception of competence in parents of preschool children and the relationship with sociodemographic variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and observational study with 792 parents, women average age 34.15 (Dp = 5.01), men 36.1 years old (Dp = 5.34), living in Portugal. The analyse includes sociodemographic characterization and the Questionnaire d'Auto-Évaluation de la Compétence Éducative Parentale (QAECEP) (Terrisse and Trudelle, 1988) validated to the Portuguese population by Aparício (2012). RESULTS: The validation study of QAECEP indicated good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.773). Self-perception of competence, and satisfaction is high in 51,1% of parents. The older parents see themselves as most competent and effective, with significant results for mothers (Chi-square = 21.755; P = .010). Parents with higher level of education perceive themselves as more satisfied, motivated and competent, but only significant for the mothers (P = .000). The high/medium familiar incomes influences significantly the perception of satisfaction, motivation and global parenting competence (P = .000). Feelings of low efficacy (P = .05) higher satisfaction (AR = 2.6) and global competence (P = .036) are significant in parents of younger children. CONCLUSIONS: Age, income and education level influences the self-perception of parental performance, so in health promotion activities is important to identify the parental feelings and increase their self-confidence in the defence of an positive parenting

RESUMEN

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