Parental Perceptions of Help-Giving Practices and Control Appraisals in Early Intervention Programs

Sources of variations in parents' assessment of help-giving practices and perceived control appraisals were investigated. Participants included 69 parents of children, birth to age 5, with disabilities or at risk for poor developmental outcomes. Results indicated that parent and family characteristics showed no relationship to either help-giving practices or perceptions of personal control and self-efficacy. In contrast, program characteristics and help-giving practices were highly associated with the degree to which parents indicated they had control over needed services, resources, and supports. Implications for improving helping relationships are discussed.