Parenting Self Efficacy in Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder vs. Normal Children

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study was to compare parenting self efficacy between mothers of children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mothers of normal children. METHOD: One hundred twenty mothers including 60 mothers of children with ADHD and 62 mothers of normal children were selected. In each group the participants were allocated between three subgroups of preschool, first and second grade of primary school. The participants were evaluated for ADHD symptom severity and parenting self efficacy, using Conner’s Parents Rating Scales-Revised Short (CPRS-R:S) and Berkeley Parenting Self-efficacy scale. Data were analyzed using independent sample T test, Chi square, Pearson and Spearman correlation and stepwise linear regression statistical analysis when appropriate. RESULTS: The results of this study did not show any significant difference between self efficiency in mothers of children with ADHD and mothers of normal children in preschool and first grade of primary school. However, between group differences were significant in mothers of children in second grade of primary school. The most associated factors with parenting self efficacy were Children’s age, and education level. CONCLUSION: No difference was observed in self efficacy of parents of ADHD children and parents of normal children in pre-school and first grade of primary school. However, parenting self efficacy was significantly lower in parents of the second grade ADHD children compared to the normal group. Increment in age and education level of children with ADHD may be associated with lower level of parenting self efficacy.