The Impact of Group-Based Positive Discipline Interventions on Mothers’ Self-Efficacy in Parenting Young Children

Abstract

Instilling healthy behaviors from early childhood is essential, as these behaviors can have long-term impacts on health throughout the lifespan. However, many Chinese mothers lack effective parenting strategies, resulting in low self-efficacy in raising their children. The use of Positive Discipline (Positive Disciplinea non-punitive and non-permissive approach—can help enhance mothers’ self-efficacy in parenting and promote healthy behaviors in children. This study aimed to examine the impact of participating in a group-based positive discipline program on Chinese mothers’ parenting self-efficacy, as well as its effects on promoting nutrition and healthy behaviors during early childhood.

. The results showed a significant improvement in the parenting self-efficacy scores of mothers in the intervention group. The mean score increased from 25.00 ± 4.08 to 36.29 ± 2.99 following the intervention.p < 0.05, Cohen’s d (t = 3.156). There were marked improvements in mothers’ beliefs that their parenting approach supported their child’s growth, as well as in their perceived ability to parent effectively. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes between the pre- and post-intervention assessments (pre-intervention: 25.07 ± 5.33; post-intervention: 24.86 ± 5.75). p > 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.076) นอกจากนี้ หลังการแทรกแซง 3 เดือน คะแนนของกลุ่มทดลองยังคงสูงกว่าก่อนการแทรกแซงอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ (p < 0.05(p = 0.076). Furthermore, at three months post-intervention, the intervention group’s scores remained significantly higher than their pre-intervention scores, demonstrating the sustained impact of the intervention.

Conclusions This study demonstrates that participation in a group-based positive discipline program can enhance Chinese mothers’ self-efficacy in parenting and promote healthy behaviors in early childhood. Ongoing support and guidance for mothers may help build confidence in parenting and contribute to the long-term sustainability of intervention effects. Future research should explore how group-based interventions can be integrated into children's daily routines to reinforce healthy behaviors and assess their long-term impact on child nutrition and health outcomes.

Keywords Positive Discipline, Parental Self-Efficacy, Young Children, mother

Author เจี้ยน หลิว (Jian Liu) เสี่ยวจวน หลิว (Xiaojuan Liu) เหม่ยฟาง ติง (Meifang Ding)

Methods: การทดลองแบบสุ่มและมีกลุ่มควบคุม (Randomized controlled trial)
Journal Frontiers in Public Health
Year: 2017 2024

For more details please click: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1461435/full#B13