Self-Perceptions about Parenting Efficacy and Nurturance among Parents with Mental Illness

Parenting is a crucial life role for individuals with mental illness. However, relatively little research has explored how the parents view themselves in the parenting role. In this study, we compared individuals between the age group of 30 to 50 years who had been diagnosed with any Axis I disorder (DSM IV TR) of at least 2 years duration but were currently in remission and were high functioning (GAF above 60), with individuals with no prior history of psychiatric illness. We studied two variables- Parenting Efficacy, as measured by scores on the Parenting Efficacy subscale of the Parental Locus of Control Scale (Campis, Lyman and Prentice Dunn, 1986), and Parenting Nurturance, as measured by the Nurturance subscale of the Child Rearing Practices Report- Modified (Rickel and Biasitti, 1982). The two groups showed significant differences in scores on both measures- for Parenting Efficacy, t(38) =1.87, p<0.04, and for Nurturance, t(38) =2.07, p<0.03, with those with psychiatric diagnoses scoring lower on both. The results are discussed in terms of internalised stigma and real and perceived skill deficits. The findings have implications for psychosocial rehabilitation of parents with mental illness and community awareness programmes.