The mediating role of parental support in the relationship between parental feelings of competence and the socio-emotional development of toddlers for both mothers and fathers

Abstract

Background. Healthy social-emotional development during toddlerhood is important for social competence, successful school performance and psychological well-being. Although research has shown that parental feelings of competence and support play an important role in the social-emotional development of toddlers, little is known about the association of paternal feelings of competence and support with the socio-emotional development of toddlers. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate whether parental support plays a mediating role in the relationship between feelings of parental competence and the social-emotional development of toddlers and whether this mediation model can be found for both mothers and fathers. Method. The study population consists of 167 parents of toddlers between 2 and 4 years old. “Parental feelings of competence” was measured by the NOSI-K, “parental support” by the CECPAQ and the “social-emotional development of toddlers” by the SDQ. Results. For both mothers and fathers, feelings of competence, support and the social-emotional development of toddlers appear to be significantly related. The relationship between feelings of competence and the social-emotional development of toddlers, for both mothers and fathers, is not mediated by support. Discussion. Contrary to what was expected, parental support does not mediate the relationship between parental feelings of competence and the socio-emotional development of toddlers. However, parenting competence appears to play an important role in parental support and the socio-emotional development of toddlers for both mothers and fathers. Future longitudinal research on the relationship of parenting competence of mothers and especially fathers with parenting behavior and the social-emotional development of toddlers is recommended.