The relation between family context and perceptions of parental efficacy

Abstract

Factors related to perceptions of parental efficacy—i.e., beliefs concerning the degree to which parents can influence the development of their children—are examined with a national sample of 3000 parents. Results of the national data indicate that parents with little education and/or low incomes are less likely than better educated, financially advantaged parents to believe that parents have a great deal of control over developmental outcomes. Controlling for education and income, white parents are more likely than black parents to believe that parents exert considerable influence on the developing child. Also examined are parent's beliefs regarding effective parenting practices. Beliefs regarding effecting practices are related to parents’ perceptions of control over developmental outcomes.