Parenting self-efficacy among mothers of school-age children: Conceptualization, measurement, and correlates

Relationships among parenting self-efficacy general self-efficacy, child an d maternal characteristics, and parenting satisfaction in 145 mothers of sc hool-aged children were examined. Higher parenting self-efficacy was observ ed in mothers of less emotional and more sociable children, and among mothe rs who were better educated, had higher family incomes, and reported more p revious experience with children. Higher parenting self-efficacy and severa l mother and child variables predicted greater satisfaction with parenting. Influences of mothers' experience with children other than their own and m aternal education on parenting satisfaction were mediated by parenting self -efficacy. Suggestions concerning the conceptualization and measurement of parenting self-efficacy are provided.