Difficulties in Emotion Regulation, Work–Family Conflict, and Perceived Parental Self-Efficacy

This study examined the role of work–family conflict as a linking mechanism between difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) and perceived parental self-efficacy (PPSE). Participants were 228 working parents (74.6% women; mean age = 45.24, SD = 7.16), who completed self-report measures of ER difficulties, work–family conflict, and PPSE. Lack of emotional awareness and non-acceptance of emotions were positively related to PPSE, but these associations were not significant when work–family conflict dimensions were considered. Difficulties in goal-directed behavior and limited access to ER strategies were associated with lower PSSE, with strain-based conflict emerging as a relevant pathway for difficulties in goal-directed behavior (95% CI 0.04, 2.67). Difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors and lack of emotional clarity were linked to lower perceived PPSE through behavior-based conflict (95% CI −2.04, −0.15; −2.01, −0.09, respectively). Overall, the findings suggest that specific ER difficulties may reduce parents’ confidence by increasing strain and behavioral interference between work and family roles. Promoting ER skills may help parents manage these demands more effectively and maintain a stronger sense of parental efficacy.