Fatigue and physical activity: Potential modifiable contributors to parenting sense of competence

Parenting sense of competence, as measured by the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSCS), is defined as one's levels of satisfaction and self-efficacy experienced in the parenting role. Previous studies have identified significant associations among PSCS scores and a host of parenting characteristics predictive of child outcomes. Existing approaches to improving parenting sense of competence focus on developing parenting knowledge and skills; however, other modifiable contributing factors to parenting sense of competence may exist. We examined associations among fatigue, physical activity, and parenting sense of competence in a community sample of female primary caregivers of young children (N=137) recruited from a university-based pediatric primary care clinic.

Participants completed measures of child disruptive behavior disorders, parent fatigue, and parent physical activity level. Parenting sense of competence was measured with the 16-item PSCS.

Participants' mean age was 32 years (SD=8 years), and most were non-Hispanic (87%) and White (70%). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant independent associations of fatigue (β=-0.19, p=.02) and physical activity level (β=0.20 and β=0.25, p<.05) with parenting sense of competence, controlling for child disruptive behaviors, child age, and socioeconomic status.

In this non-clinical sample of mothers of young children, the significant relationships among fatigue, physical activity level, and parenting sense of competence could suggest potential targets for preventive intervention.