Feasibility and efficacy of the parenting program : are you connecting? upbringing, attachment and the parenting role

Abstract

Parenting stress is a common challenge, affecting parenting self-efficacy and child development. There is a need for easily accessible and evidence-based practices in services for children and families. This study has two aims: first, to assess a new measurement called the Parenting Self-Esteem and Practices Scale (PEP), and second, to evaluate a new parenting program titled Are You Connecting? Upbringing, Attachment and the Parenting Role (AYC program), assessing its impact on parenting practices, stress, and self-efficacy. For aim one, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with 75 participants identified two factors: negative parenting practices (NPP) and positive parenting practices (PPP). For aim two, a quantitative pilot study with 23 participants used a single-group repeated measures design with the last observation carried forward (LOCF). Participants completed three questionnaires at the program's beginning, middle and end: PEP, Parenting Sense of Confidence (PSOC), and Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Results showed a significant increase in PPP and parenting self-efficacy (PSE) throughout the program. There was also a significant decline in the PSI-SF subscale of difficult child (DC). These findings support the program's efficacy and warrant further research with a larger sample size and greater post-program interval to evaluate long-term effects.Keywords: Parenting program, parenting practices, parenting stress, parenting self-efficacy.