Analysing Mothers' Self-efficacy Perception towards Parenting in Relation to Peer Relationships of 5-6 year-old Preschool Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self - efficacy perception of mothers' towards parenting on the peer relations of children aged between 5 and 6. The sample group of this study comprised of 200, 5 - 6 year old children (girls=96, boys=104), and their mothers. The Ladd and Profilet Child Behaviour Scale, the Peer Victimisation Scale and the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale - Mother Form were used to collect data of this study. Study results concluded that there was a negative significant relationship between the level of self-efficacy perceived by mothers towards parenting and variables of aggression, exclusion, fearful-anxiety, hyperactivity, and peer victimisation of their children. Another conclusion obtained from this study was that the level of self-efficacy perceived by mothers towards parenting had a predictor effect on their child's level of aggression, exclusion, fearful-anxiety, hyperactivity, and peer victimisation. There was no significant relationship between the level of self-efficacy perceived by mothers towards parenting and their child's level of prosocial and asocial behaviour.