Structural model for predicting Internalized problems of children based on maternal parental self-efficacy with the mediating role of family communication patterns

Abstract

The aim of this study was to construct a structural model for predicting children's internalized problems based on mothers' parental self-efficacy with the mediating role of family communication patterns. The study population consisted of 257,142 9- to 11-year-old primary school students in Tehran with their mothers. Participants included 540 people (275 boys and 265 girls) from 9 to 11 year old primary school students in Tehran in the academic year 1400-1399 with their mothers who participated in the study by available sampling method. To examine the research variables, participants answered the Child Behavior Inventory (CBCL), Parental Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (Dumka, 1996), and Family Communication Patterns (Ritchie and Fitzpatrick, 1990). For statistical analysis of data, Spss software version 26, Amos software version 24 and R software version 4.0.2 were used. The results of statistical analysis showed a good fit of the collected data with the designed model. According to the findings, parental self-efficacy (direct effect -0.13) has a direct role in children's internalized problems (P <0.05). Family communication patterns play a significant role in children's internalized problems. The parental self-efficacy variable does not play a direct role in family communication patterns (Z = 1.53). Parental self-efficacy through family communication patterns has no significant role on internalized problems (P> 0.05). The findings of the present study are a step towards developing predictive theoretical models for children's internalized problems.