The Effects of Infant's Temperament, Development, Mother's Parenting Stress and Social Support on Infant Mother's Self-efficacy

Abstract

The purposes of this study was to investigate the relationship and interaction between infant temperament, development, mother's parenting stress and social support on mother's self-efficacy. Participants in this study included 1610 infants (825 boys, 785 girls) and their mothers. The major findings of this study were as follows: First, infant temperament demonstrated a direct relationship to mother's self-efficacy. Lower levels of infant temperament indicated lower levels of self-efficacy, and higher levels of infant temperament indicated higher levels of self-efficacy. Second, infant development demonstrated a direct relationship to mother's self-efficacy. Greater communicative and social interaction between mother and child demonstrated a higher level of maternal self-efficacy. Third, mothers' parenting stress demonstrated a direct relationship to mother's self-efficacy. Higher levels of parenting stress demonstrated lower levels of maternal self-efficacy. Forth, Social support demonstrated a direct relationship to mother's self-efficacy. Greater levels of social support demonstrated lower level of maternal self-efficacy. Fifth, the greatest single relationship effecting mother's self-efficacy was mother's parenting stress. This research suggests the need for development of diverse social policies and programs to help mothers reduce maternal parenting stress and support the development of positive parenting skills with the goal of boosting mother's self-efficacy.