Abstract
Parental Self Efficacy (PSE) is a key predictor of positive parenting practices and child outcomes. The Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) is a global measure of PSE that has been validated for use with mothers, but not fathers. The aims of the study were to assess the construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the KPCS with 110 fathers of young children (aged 0–4 years) in an Australian parenting program. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the KPCS items revealed good model fit for a two-factor structure of parenting self-efficacy: self-efficacy for parenting tasks and self-efficacy for parental role. Overall KPCS reliability was strong, with each factor demonstrated to have acceptable internal reliability. Preliminary analysis suggests that the KPCS is a reliable and valid tool for use with fathers of children aged 0–4 years. Further validation of the KPCS in a larger sample of fathers is warranted.
Highlights
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A factor analysis was completed for the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) based on paternal data.
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Sample was 110 fathers with children aged 0–4 years attending Working Out Dads, a parenting program in Australia.
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A two-factor structure of self-efficacy for parenting tasks and self-efficacy for parental role was supported.
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KPCS reliability was strong, α = 0.80, with acceptable internal reliability for each factor.
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Preliminary analysis suggests the KPCS is a reliable tool for use with fathers of children aged 0–4 years.
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All authors conceptualised the study and contributed to interpretation of results and preparation of the manuscript. DW and RG conducted data analysis.
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Partial financial support was received from the Centre of Excellence in Child & Family Welfare, and RG was supported by a NHMRC Career Development Fellowship and the Victorian Government Operational Infrastructure Support Program.
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Ethics approval for the study was sought from The Royal Children’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee.
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Wright, D., Treyvaud, K., Williams, L.A. et al. Validation of the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale in Measuring Parental Self-Efficacy of Australian Fathers. J Child Fam Stud 31, 1698–1706 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02291-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02291-4