Peer-reviewed article
The role of parental self‐efficacy in parent and child well‐being: A systematic review of associated outcomes
Ariana M. Albanese, Gabrielle R. Russo, Pamela A. Geller ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This systematic review looks at what research says about parental self-efficacy, meaning parents' belief in their ability to influence their child in a healthy, success-promoting way. The authors searched four databases and found 115 studies. They grouped the findings into three areas: the parent-child relationship, parental mental health, and child development. The authors say the results confirm that parental self-efficacy matters clinically for both parents and children, and they point to gaps in the literature.
Key points
- No comprehensive systematic review of outcomes linked to parental self-efficacy existed before; the two closest related reviews were non-systematic and over 10 years old.
- The search used an iteratively optimised set of terms across four databases.
- The search yielded 115 studies.
- Findings were organised into three themes: the parent-child relationship, parental mental health, and child development.
- The authors conclude that parental self-efficacy is clinically relevant and identify gaps in the current literature.
Limitations
The abstract gives no specific effect sizes, study quality ratings, child age ranges or countries covered, so it cannot show how strong or consistent the links are. The US country hint is not confirmed in the text, and the review reports associated outcomes rather than testing an intervention.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: For decades, parental self-efficacy (PSE), or parents' belief in their ability to influence their child in a healthy and success-promoting manner, has been understood as a key factor in promoting healthy functioning for parents and their children. In that time, an extensive collection of research examining the specific impact of PSE on parents and their children has developed. However, to the authors' knowledge, no comprehensive and systematic review of the outcomes linked to this factor exists, and the two most closely related non-systematic reviews were published over 10 years ago. METHODS: Therefore, by utilizing an iteratively optimized set of search terms applied across four databases, the current review sought to systematically collect, synthesize, and present the extant literature concerning the role of PSE in parent and child well-being. RESULTS: This search strategy yielded a total of 115 studies, the results of which were organized into three broad thematic categories relating to: the parent and child relationship, parental mental health, or child development. CONCLUSIONS: These results recapitulate the clinical relevance of PSE, and provide an updated and comprehensive understanding of both the role PSE plays in the welfare of parents and children, as well as the gaps in the literature as it currently stands.