The parenting sense of competence scale: Investigation of the factor structure, reliability, and validity for an Australian sample

Investigation of the factor structure of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) was conducted with an Australian sample of 849 mothers and 329 fathers. Two factors of Satisfaction and Efficacy were found that were largely consistent with previous research. In addition, a third factor reflecting interest in the parenting role emerged. The Satisfaction factor was strongly correlated with measures of child behaviour, parent wellbeing, and parenting style. Efficacy and Interest showed few correlations with these variables. Parent and child gender were not related to factor scores and child age showed a small relationship with PSOC scores for very young children. Use of the revised scale with separate scoring keys for mothers and fathers is recommended.