From Training to Confidence: How Parent Education Shapes Self-Belief

Alessandra Cerruto

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Health Professions and Human Services

Major: PSYD.SCHL/CLNL

Faculty Research Mentor: Keri Giordano

Abstract:

Parents have unprecedented access to information about child development and parenting, but this can leave them feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about which guidance to apply to their parenting practices. It is unclear whether access to resources, formal education, or parenting training increases parenting confidence. This study explores whether parenting confidence is influenced by: (1) the number and type of parenting resources used, (2) completion of parenting classes and workshops, and (3) earning a college degree in a field related to child development. Parents of children aged 2-5 will complete an anonymous online survey, describing information they use to inform their parenting practices, their participation in parenting workshops and training, and their education level, and whether their degree is related to child development. Participants will also complete the 17-item Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (Gibaud-Wallston & Wandersman 1978), which assesses levels of parental confidence. Finally, parents will be asked to provide demographic information, including: age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, and current household income. By examining these factors, this research aims to identify which forms of education and support are most effective in fostering confident parenting practices. Findings may inform future parenting programs and guide parents toward the resources and training that most strongly enhance confidence in their parenting roles. 

Keywords: Parental confidence; parent education; young children; child rearing