Examining the Mediating Role of Parental Self-Efficacy in the Relationship Between the Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs and Family Functionality

This study examined the mediating role of parental self-efficacy in the relationship between satisfaction of basic psychological needs and family functioning among married individuals. The sample consisted of 300 married parents of preschool children (88% women; M age = 35.87, SD = 5.60). Data were collected using the General Family Functioning Assessment Scale, the Berkeley Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale–Revised, and the Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs Scale for Married Individuals. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the proposed model that satisfaction of basic psychological needs was positively associated with both parental self-efficacy and family functioning, and parental. Results indicated self-efficacy was positively related to family functioning. Mediation analysis revealed that parental self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction and family functioning. These findings suggest that fulfilling psychological needs within marriage enhances family functioning both directly and indirectly by strengthening parental self-efficacy, highlighting its importance in family-based interventions.