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Maternal Parenting Stress as a Predictor of Parental Self-Efficacy and Parent-Reported Separation Anxiety Symptoms in Preschool Children
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Azam Alavi   , Zeynab Taheri , Mitra Mahmoudi , Pegah Kolahi , Zahra Baharloo |
| Ph.D, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Shk.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran , azam.alavi92@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (21 Views) |
Introduction: Parenting is associated with numerous responsibilities and challenges that can lead to stress, particularly for mothers. Parenting stress may affect all members of the family. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive role of maternal parenting stress on parental self-efficacy and separation anxiety in preschool children.
Method: This Cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on 175 mothers of preschool-aged children in Shahrekord, Iran, selected through convenience sampling methods. Data collection tools included the Parenting Stress Questionnaire (Abidin, 1995), the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale – Parent Form (Han, 2003), and the Parental Self-Efficacy questionnaire (Dumka, 1996).
Results: Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between parenting stress and children’s separation anxiety (r= 0.366, p< 0.001), and a significant negative correlation between parenting stress and parental self-efficacy (r = -0.493, p< 0.001). Regression analysis showed that maternal parenting stress was significantly related to both parental self-efficacy and separation anxiety (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Given the association of parenting stress with mothers’ parenting self-efficacy and separation anxiety in preschool children, the findings highlight the importance of parenting stress for maternal and child mental health. Therefore, screening mothers with high levels of parenting stress and providing brief stress-management and parenting-skills training in preschool centers are recommended.
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| Keywords: Anxiety, Child, Mothers, Self-Efficacy, Separation, Stress |
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Full-Text [PDF 303 kb]
(9 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/04/25 | Accepted: 2026/09/5 | Published: 2026/10/2
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