Perceived maternal parenting self‐efficacy as a predictor maternal responsiveness in infants and toddlers

BACKGROUND: Maternal responsiveness seems to be necessary for a child to develop a safe attachment. However, even after many years of research on maternal responsiveness, only a few attempts have been made to find ways of promoting mother and child interaction. This study aimed at determining the association between maternal responsiveness and parenting self-efficacy variables and at identifying the factors that correlated with maternal responsiveness. METHOD: A cross-sectional correlation study design was adopted and a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 213 mothers in Irbid city, Jordan from August to November 2019. The sample population filled in a sociodemographic and perinatal datasheet, the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy (PMP S-E) Scale and the Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument (MIRI). RESULTS: The results revealed a significant relationship between maternal responsiveness and PMP S-E. Other factors; besides, self-efficacy were also found to have some correlation on maternal responsiveness (B = 1.913, P = .049). Only previous experience of caring for children (B = 9.56, P = .05). CONCLUSION: This study found that the sociodemographic factors considered in this study had an insignificant correlation on perceived self-reported maternal responsiveness. On the other hand, it did find that PMP S-E had a significant correlation on maternal responsiveness. Healthcare professionals need to recognise these variables in their endeavours to meet the needs of mothers and their newborns.