Development of an instrument to assess perceived self‐efficacy in the parents of infants

Abstract

In addition to research applications, the measurement of perceived parental self‐efficacy (PPSE) could be useful clinically in screening for parenting difficulties, targeting interventions, and evaluating outcomes. In this research we examined the psychometric properties of the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS), a new 15‐item PPSE measure. A no‐problem control group and three clinical groups comprising 187 mothers with infants were recruited. The KPCS showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .81), test–retest reliability (r = .88), and discriminant and convergent validity. A cut‐off score was determined, and the scale's sensitivity and positive predictive power was 86% and 88%, respectively. The KPCS may prove a useful addition to tools for the assessment of parents and infants presenting to clinical services. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:442–453, 2008