Factor structure of the Parenting Sense of Competence scale using a normative sample

Gilmore, L.
Cuskelly, M.

^*School of Learning and Professional Studies, Queensland University of Technology, and ^†School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia

Correspondence: Linda Gilmore, PhD, School of Learning and Professional Studies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld 4059, Australia E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted for publication 5 May 2008

Child: Care, Health & Development 35(1):p 48-55, January 2009.

Background

The Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale is a commonly used measure of parental self-efficacy. Previous investigations of the factor structure of this instrument have been unsatisfactory and there is no adequate normative group against which at-risk groups can be compared.

Methods

A non-clinical sample of 586 mothers and 615 fathers completed the PSOC.

Results

Factor analysis produced three acceptable factors (Satisfaction, Efficacy, Interest) that accounted for 47.3% and 50.1% of the variance for mothers and fathers respectively. Mothers reported higher efficacy than fathers, and fathers reported greater satisfaction with the parenting role than did mothers.

Conclusion

The PSOC contains three useful factors that reflect satisfaction with the parental role, parenting efficacy and interest in parenting. The paper provides normative data against which at-risk groups can be compared.