A Comparative Study on Parenting Sense of Competence and Perceived Social Support among Mothers of Single Child – Girls and Boys

Abstract

This study aims to explore the maternal experiences of parental competence and perceived social support in mothers of a single child. We delve into a detailed understanding of parenting stress, its effects on parental sense of competence, perception of available support from spouse and family. Data were collected from mothers of children aged between 5 and 10 years of age. Two scales were used for the purpose of the study- Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Through the results, the study also brings forth differences in these experiences based on the gender of the child. Multiple previous studies have produced contrasting results regarding the relationship between gender of the child and perceived social support for the mother. This study makes an attempt to discuss a combination of societal and interpersonal factors interweaving between these concepts. The study underscores the importance of addressing support disparities in parenting interventions.