The understanding of maternal factors associated with child feeding problems is limited due to a lack of research which has examined a comprehensive range of maternal factors and the existing literature focussing on a narrow range of ideas about the wider familial context in which feeding problems occur. The broad aim of this thesis is to investigate maternal parenting of children with and without clinical feeding problems to provide insights into the wider context in which feeding problems occur. In study 1, thematic analysis of interviews with 10 mothers of children with, and 10 mothers of children without, clinical feeding problems revealed that mothers of children with clinical feeding problems appeared to have less maternal self-efficacy for managing parenting challenges than mothers in the non-clinical group. A template analysis found that these perceptions seemed to be informed by four theoretical sources of self-efficacy: mastery experiences, verbal persuasion, vicarious experience and physiological state. In study 2, 278 mothers of children with and without clinical feeding problems completed existing self-report measures of maternal self-efficacy. It was found that lower levels of maternal self-efficacy for establishing structure and routine around instrumental child care tasks and for implementing discipline and setting limits for the child was predictive of problematic child feeding behaviour and maladaptive maternal responses to child feeding problems. In study 3, 215 mothers of children with and without feeding problems completed self-report measures of the theoretical components of self-efficacy (mastery experiences, verbal persuasion, vicarious experience, physiological state). Physiological state was found to be the strongest predictor of maternal self-efficacy for establishing structure and routines as well as for providing discipline and setting limits for the child. Maternal self-efficacy mediated the relationship between physiological state and problematic child feeding behaviour and the relationship between parenting stress and maladaptive maternal responses. The final study was a pilot study using autophotography. This study explored parenting dimensions and tasks which contributed towards perceptions of maternal self-efficacy in 13 mothers of children without clinical feeding problems. Findings suggested that child feeding was an especially difficult and complex task for mothers to manage, with many mothers reporting perceptions of low efficacy for managing mealtimes. This appeared to be due to the large number of health related concerns and the worry mothers felt when children did not eat a healthful diet. Overall, results of this thesis suggest that mothers who lack confidence in their ability to manage child behaviour report more problematic child feeding behaviours and use more maladaptive strategies for managing feeding problems. Findings of the studies in this thesis suggest that mothers of children with feeding problems, and who are experiencing high levels of stress, may be especially vulnerable to lower levels of maternal self-efficacy which may exacerbate difficulties. Increasing maternal self-efficacy for providing structure, routines and discipline in mothers experiencing feeding problems in their children may improve outcomes for those affected.

This study investigated the relation between maternal self-efficacy, depression, and intimate partner violence among Mexican immigrant and Mexican mothers. The research was conducted using a parallel mixed methods approach including both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 136 mothers living in the United States and Mexico completed surveys, and 10 mothers participated in semi-structured interviews. In a regression on maternal depression, living in Mexico as opposed to the U.S., psychological violence, and maternal self-efficacy were significant predictors of maternal depression. In the qualitative data analysis, we found five main themes: perceptions, cultural influence, involvement, resources, and barriers. In this stage of the study, Mexican and Mexican immigrant mothers described in detail their experiences of being a mother, their perceptions of maternal self-efficacy, and the influence of intimate partner violence and depression on their effectiveness as mothers. Overall, Mexican immigrant families appeared to have healthier relationships and greater well-being than Mexican families.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the relationships between maternal psycho-social factors and brushing practices in low-income children aged 1-5 years old. METHODS: Data from The Oral Health Advocates in Public Housing (OHAPH) study was used. Analyses were limited to 1–5 year old children and their mothers (n =941). Mothers were surveyed regarding their knowledge about child’s oral health, self-efficacy and self-motivation related to brushing their children’s teeth twice a day. The main outcome measure was children’s brushing frequency reported by their mothers. Analyses were conducted in SAS 9.4 to account for the complex sampling design. RESULTS: Maternal knowledge about child’s oral health was significantly associated with maternal self-efficacy (OR=1.95; 95% CI=1.44-2.64), significant association was also found with maternal self-motivation (OR=3.24; 95% CI=1.42-7.36). Self-efficacy and self-motivation were highly associated (p-value <0.0001), mothers who reported having high level of self-efficacy were highly motivated as well (77.8%). Most of the children in this sample had their teeth brushed twice or more a day (65.3%). Maternal self-efficacy was a strong and significant predictor of child’s brushing frequency (OR=10.51; 95% CI= 6.98-15.81). Maternal self-motivation has also showed a statistically significant association with child’s brushing frequency (OR=7.41; 95% CI=2.63-20.85). However, higher level of maternal knowledge about child’s oral health was not significantly associated with having the child’s teeth brushed twice or more a day (OR= 1.33, 95% CI= 0.96-1.84). Older children and those who had visited the dentist within the past year showed higher odds of having their teeth brushed twice a day in comparison with younger children and those who didn’t visit the dentist. Being a Hispanic child lowers the odds of brushing frequency. Mediation analysis showed that maternal self-efficacy and self-motivation are both mediators in the pathway between maternal knowledge about child’s oral health and child’s brushing frequency, full mediation was observed. CONCLUSION: Maternal self-efficacy and self-motivation are associated with children’s brushing practices. Since these factors are modifiable, designing tailored interventions targeting mothers with the aim of improving child’s brushing frequency could be the key to increase the oral health potential for young children from low-income families early in life. / 2018-09-28T00:00:00Z

This study examined sense of community (SOC) and participant engagement in the first 12 months of a longitudinal, group-based intervention program for parents, Legacy for ChildrenTM. Previous research in self-help/mutual support groups and alternative living environments for recovering addicts suggested SOC may positively influence engagement in programs and may be an active ingredient to the success of such programs. Literature on SOC has been limited by cross-sectional investigations and lacked a developmental perspective of changes in SOC over time. This study examined the following questions: 1) Does SOC with the parenting program differ between intervention and control participants at 6 months and 12 months following entry into Legacy? 2) How do baseline levels of social support, stress, and self-efficacy relate to sense of community with the parenting program? 3) Do intervention participants’ baseline demographic and psychological characteristics relate to attendance and engagement in the first 20 weeks of parent groups? 4) Does participant engagement predict SOC with the parenting program over time? Does early SOC predict later engagement? Study hypotheses were examined using repeated measures ANOVA, hierarchical linear regression, and structural equation modeling. The sample included 289 mothers recruited at the Miami Legacy for Children intervention site; eligible mothers were adults, received Medicaid, were English speaking, and had a newborn child. Mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Results of the structural model using only intervention participants suggest that attendance and engagement in parent groups contributed significantly and positively to sense of community with the program over time. The intervention group had a slightly higher SOC with the program than the control group. However, levels of SOC with the program declined from 6 to 12 months among intervention participants while stability or slight increases in SOC characterized the control participants’ SOC during this time. Regardless of experimental condition, changes in SOC within the first year of the program were small in magnitude and suggest that changes in SOC between groups may take more time to evaluate fully. Implications of these findings to the development of SOC in intervention settings are discussed.

abstract: Postpartum depression has been described as one of the most common complications related to childbirth (Beck, 2008). To understand better the theoretical underpinnings of the disorder, the current study used a vulnerability-stress conceptualization to develop a theoretical model of postpartum depression. The predictive model was tested on 144 mothers with infants under 12-months of age using structural equation modeling. Four alternative models were also tested. A variation of the original theoretical model was found to have the best fit. Consistent with past research, this model indicated that need for approval, relationship conflict, and maternal-efficacy directly predicted postpartum depressive symptoms. Need for approval also moderated the relation between maternal-efficacy and postpartum depressive symptoms, so that this relation was stronger for mothers with high need of approval than for mothers with low need for approval. The role of these risk factors, particularly negative maternal perceptions and cognitions, is highlighted in relation to developing clinical interventions to treat postpartum depression. Limitations of this study are discussed and suggestions are made for future models to be tested through empirical research. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Psychology 2014

No description available.

Traditionally, research involving single African American mothers (SAAMs) has been conducted using problem-focused or cultural deficit models with the emphases on the disadvantages. Consequently, little is known about how these women view their experiences as single mothers concerning their resilience and maternal self-efficacy. Using a snowball sampling method, 15 SAAMs were recruited to participate in this phenomenological study. This study employed a subject-intensive theoretical framework. Face-to-face interviews (using a questionnaire), participant observation, and a focus group were the methods used to capture the essence of the SAAMs' abilities to thrive despite the challenges associated with single parenting. All encounters were audiotaped and the data were manually transcribed. Theming was used to analyze the data of the study. Twelve themes emerged, along with a set of sub-themes. The findings provided narratives from the SAAMs regarding the unique challenges of culture, parenting styles and skills, and social supports that enabled them to navigate their children through adversities. All of the participants identified God and faith as the heart of successful parenting. This study contributes to the cultivation of positive social change by offering sound literature that dispels the myths and stereotypes traditionally associated with these mothers and their children. The study also reaffirms the necessity of culturally-relevant models of study and qualitative methods of research, as they tend to provide a more positive and holistic perspective of the phenomenon. Moreover, these findings give a voice and encouragement to SAAMs to become stakeholders in the underpinning of support groups for younger SAAMs and their children in the use of resilience and maternal self-efficacy.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Family Studies and Human Services / Bronwyn S. Fees / When compared to adult mothers, adolescent mothers are more prone to parenting challenges (Whitman et al., 2001). Age is considered influential on a mother’s belief in her ability to successfully organize and execute her parenting plan (Bandura, 1999). The purpose of this study was to examine potential predictors of self-efficacy (determinant of parenting) among first-time mothers applying Belsky’s (1984) parenting framework. Maternal age, maternal depression, available social support and infant temperament were all considered to be potential predictors of maternal self-efficacy. A sample of first-time mothers (N = 115) with no other children in the home with an infant between the ages of four and six months was recruited from local alternative high schools, home and center child care facilities, and various other social services agencies and programs that typically serve new mothers. Participants self-reported on the above variables by completing a survey measuring self-efficacy as well as the hypothesized predictors. Responses were analyzed using group mean comparisons between 3 age groups: mothers 19 years and under (23%); mothers 20-26 years of age (29%); and mothers 26 years of age and older (48%). No significant differences in self-efficacy, perceived infant temperament, social support were found between age groups. Age differences in maternal depression fell just below significance. Maternal income level was significantly (and negatively) correlated with maternal depression, therefore was controlled for in additional analyses. Annual income, depression, and self efficacy were significantly correlated to perceived infant temperament. Mothers with lower incomes, who perceived less social support, who reported higher levels of depression, or had lower levels of self-efficacy were found to rate their infants as more temperamentally difficult. Regression analyses demonstrated that level of perceived social support significantly predicted maternal self-efficacy levels across all age groups. Additionally, infant temperament and maternal depression levels predicted self-efficacy. These findings provide evidence to support the importance of equal accessibility and affordability of social support for all new mothers to assist with the positive transition to parenthood.

Étude I Le fonctionnement psychique chez les femmes atteintes d’endométrioseObjectif. Approfondir les articulations du rapport psyché-corps en référant au fonctionnement mental et au vécu psychologique des femmes atteintes d'endométriose.Hypothèse de travail. Chez les femmes atteintes d’endométriose, se déterminerait un déséquilibre du fonctionnement psychique dans lequel ils y ont des difficultés dans la gestion des émotions concertantes la propre représentation corporelle. La dimension somatique du féminin est négative et mortifère et menaçant.Présentation de la population. L’échantillon est constitué de vingt femmes rencontrées dans le période d’ avril-octobre 2010 chez le service de gynécologie de l’Hôpital ARNAS Civico de Palerme. Outils. Entretiens et Test du Rorschach. Conclusions. A partir de l'analyse des protocoles Rorschach il est possible de repérer des points communs :- un défaut du processus associatif et de symbolisation témoignent d’une difficulté dans la gestion des affects.- Des angoisses somatiques.- Humeur instable.étude IIla discrepance du soi chez les femmes atteintes d’endometrioseObjectif. approfondir les aspects représentationnels concernant l’image du soi maternel et séductif chez les femmes atteintes d'endométriose et souligner les possibles effets de modération de la Discordance du Soi sur le lien entre endométriose et dépression. Hypothèse. L'endométriose n'est pas nécessairement cause d'une souffrance psychologique manifeste; la relation entre ces deux variables pourrait être modérée par des facteurs relatifs à une réorganisation de la représentation de l’identité propre.Outils. - ISDI "integrated Self-Discrepancy Index" Hardin et Lakin 2009 - Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Beck et au.1961Conclusiones. L'endométriose induit la dépression chez les femmes qui, en même temps présentent un sentiment d'inadéquation concernant la représentation maternelle du Soi, elles se perçoivent comme des mères, réelles ou fantasmatiques, mauvaises et inadaptées. / Study IThe psychological functioning in women affected by endometriosisObjective. To investigate the articulations of the relationship between psyche-body, the mental functioning and to the psychological experience of women affected by endometriosis.Hypothesis. Women affected by endometriosis, would be have an inequality of the psychic functioning and they have difficulties in the management of the feelings and of the own physical representation. The somatic dimension of the feminine is negative and threatening.Participants. Participants are twenty women, met in period of April-October, 2010 at the gynaecology service of the ARNAS Hospital Civico of Palermo. Tools. Psychological consult; and Test of Rorschach. Resulted. From the analysis of Rorschach protocols it is possible to stress some common points:- defect of associative and symbolization process,- difficulty in the affectivity management.- somatic fears.- unstable mood.Study IIThe self discrepancy in women affected by endometriosisObjective. To investigate the self discrepancy concerning the maternal and seductive representation in women affected by endometriosis. To underline the possible effects of moderation of the self discrepancy on the link between endometriosis and depression. Hypothesis. The endometriosis is not a direct cause of a psychological suffering; the relation between these two variables could be moderated by personality factors.Tools. - ISDI "integrated Self-Discrepancy Index" Hardin et Lakin 2009 - Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Beck et al.1961Conclusions. The endometriosis leads to the depression only in women who, at the same time present discrepancy of the self maternal representation, only if they perceive themselves as bad and inappropriate, real or imaginary, mothers.