Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Fatigue and Physical Activity: Potential Modifiable Contributors to Parenting Sense of Competence

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Child and Family Studies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

Parenting sense of competence, as measured by the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSCS), is defined as one’s levels of satisfaction and self-efficacy experienced in the parenting role. Previous studies have identified significant associations among PSCS scores and a host of parenting characteristics predictive of child outcomes. Existing approaches to improving parenting sense of competence focus on developing parenting knowledge and skills; however, other modifiable contributing factors to parenting sense of competence may exist. We examined associations among fatigue, physical activity, and parenting sense of competence in a community sample of female primary caregivers of young children (N = 137) recruited from a university-based pediatric primary care clinic.

Methods

Participants completed measures of child disruptive behavior disorders, parent fatigue, and parent physical activity level. Parenting sense of competence was measured with the 16-item PSCS.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 32 years (SD = 8 years), and most were non-Hispanic (87%) and White (70%). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant independent associations of fatigue (β = −0.19, p = 0.02) and physical activity level (β = 0.20 and β = 0.25, p < 0.05) with parenting sense of competence, controlling for child disruptive behaviors, child age, and socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

In this non-clinical sample of mothers of young children, the significant relationships among fatigue, physical activity level, and parenting sense of competence could suggest potential targets for preventive intervention.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: the exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bardwell, W. A., Burke, S. C., Thomas, K. S., Carter, C., Weingart, K., & Dimsdale, J. E. (2006). Fatigue varies by social class in African Americans but not Caucasian Americans. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 13, 252.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bauman, A. E., Reis, R. S., Sallis, J. F., Wells, J. C., Loos, R. J., & Martin, B. W. (2012). Correlates of physical activity: why are some people physically active and others not? The Lancet, 380, 258–271.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayer, J. K., Hiscock, H., Hampton, A., & Wake, M. (2007). Sleep problems in young infants and maternal mental and physical health. Journal of Paediatric Child Health, 43, 66–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bogenschneider, K., Small, S. A., & Tsay, J. C. (1997). Child, parent, and contextual influences on perceived parenting competence among parents of adolescents. Journal of Marriage and Family, 59, 345–362.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19–31.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Chorpita, B. F., & Daleiden, E. L. (2009). Mapping evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents: application of the distillation and matching model to 615 treatments from 322 randomized trials. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77, 566–579.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coleman, P. K., & Karraker, K. H. (1998). Self-efficacy and parenting quality: findings and future applications. Developmental Review, 18, 47–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cooklin, A. R., Giallo, R., & Rose, N. (2012). Parental fatigue and parenting practices during early childhood: an Australian community survey. Child Care Health and Development, 38, 654–664.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cooney, G., Dwan, K., & Mead, G. (2014). Exercise for depression. Journal of the American Medical Association, 311, 2432–2433.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crowley, M. J., & Kazdin, A. E. (1998). Child psychosocial functioning and parent quality of life among clinically referred children. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 7, 233–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeGarmo, D. S., Patterson, G. R., & Forgatch, M. S. (2004). How do outcomes in a specified parent training intervention maintain or wane over time? Prevention Science, 5, 73–89.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dekovic, M., Asscher, J. J., Hermanns, J. M. A., Reitz, E., Prinzie, P., & van den Akker, A. L. (2010). Tracing changes in families who participated in home-Start parenting program: parental competence as mechanism of change. Prevention Science, 11, 263–274.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dishion, T. J., & Patterson, G. R. (2006). The development and ecology of antisocial behavior. In D. Cicchetti & D.J. Cohen (Eds), Developmental psychopathology: Vol 3 Risk, disorder, and adaptation (pp. 503–541). New York, NY: Wiley.

  • Dube, S. R., Felitti, V. J., Dong, M., Chapman, D. P., Giles, W. H., & Anda, R. F. (2003). Childhood abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction and the risk of illicit drug use: the adverse childhood experiences study. Pediatrics, 111, 564–572.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elam, K. K., Chassin, L., Eisenberg, N., & Spinrad, T. L. (2017). Marital stress and children’s externalizing behavior as predictors of mothers’ and fathers’ parenting. Developmental Psychopathology, 29, 1305–1318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. The adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14, 245–258.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D., Blase, K., Metz, A., & Dyke, M. V. (2013). Statewide implementation of evidence-based programs. Exceptional Children, 79, 213–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Furlong, M., McGilloway, S., Bywater, T., Hutchings, J., Smith, S. M., & Donnelly, M. (2012). Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural group-based parenting programmes for early-onset conduct problems in children aged 3 to 12 years. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Art. no.: CD008225.

  • Gadow, K. D., & Nolan, E. E. (2002). Differences between preschool children with ODD, ADHD, and ODD + ADHD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 43, 191–201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gadow, K. D., Sprafkin, E. E., & Nolan, E. E. (2001). DSM-IV symptoms in community and clinic preschool children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40, 1383–1392.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gilmore, L., & Cuskelly, M. (2009). Factor structure of the parenting sense of competence scale using a normative sample. Child: Care, Health and Development, 35, 48–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Godin, G., & Shephard, R. J. (1985). A simple method to assess exercise behavior in the community. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences, 10, 141–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gondoli, D. M., & Silverberg, S. B. (1997). Maternal emotional distress and diminished responsiveness: the mediating role of parenting efficacy and parental perspective taking. Developmental Psychology, 33, 861–868.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hashima, P. Y., & Amato, P. R. (1994). Poverty, social support, and parental behavior. Child Development, 65, 394–403.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hogan, C. L., Mata, J., & Carstensen, L. L. (2013). Exercise holds immediate benefits for affect and cognition in younger and older adults. Psychology and Aging, 28, 587–594.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Howlett, N., Trivedi, D., Troops, N. A., & Chater, A. M. (2019). Are physical activity interventions for healthy inactive adults effective in promoting behavior change and maintenance, and which behavior change techniques are effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 9, 147–157.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, D. R., Ainsworth, B. E., Hartman, T. J., & Leon, A. S. (1993). A simultaneous evaluation of 10 commonly used physical activity questionnaires. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 25, 81–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, C., & Mash, E. J. (1989). A measure of parenting satisfaction and efficacy. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 18, 167–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, T. L., & Prinz, R. J. (2005). Potential roles of parental self-efficacy in parent and child adjustment: a review. Clinical Psychology Review, 25, 341–363.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaminski, J. W., Valle, L. A., Filene, J. H., & Boyle, C. L. (2008). A meta-analytic review of components associated with parent training program effectiveness. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 36, 567–589.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kataoka, S. H., Zhang, L., & Wells, K. B. (2002). Unmet need for mental health care among U.S. children: variation by ethnicity and insurance status. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 1548–1555.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Koerting, J., Smith, E., Knowles, M. M., Latter, S., Elsey, H., McCann, D. C., & Sonuga-Barke, E. J. (2013). Barriers to, and facilitators of, parenting programmes for childhood behaviour problems: a qualitative synthesis of studies of parents’ and professionals’ perceptions. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 22, 653–670.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kowal, J., & Fortier, M. S. (2007). Physical activity behavior change in middle-aged and older women: the role of barriers and of environmental characteristics. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30, 233–242.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, K. A., Hicks, G., & Nino-Murcia, G. (1991). Validity and reliability of a scale to assess fatigue. Psychiatry Research, 36, 291–298.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Linke, S. E., & Ussher, M. (2015). Exercise-based treatments for substance use disorders: evidence, theory, and practicality. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 41, 7–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lovejoy, M. C., Verda, M. R., & Hays, C. E. (1997). Convergent and discriminant validity of measures of parenting efficacy and control. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 26, 366–376.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McQueen, A., & Mander, R. (2003). Tiredness and fatigue in the postnatal period. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 42, 463–469.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mendez, J. L., Carpenter, J. L., LaForett, D. R., & Cohen, J. S. (2009). Parental engagement and barriers to participation in a community-based preventive intervention. American Journal of Community Psychology, 44, 1–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mytton, J., Ingram, J., Manns, S., & Thomas, J. (2014). Facilitators and barriers to engagement in parenting programs: a qualitative systematic review. Health Education and Behavior, 41, 127–137.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Connor, P. J., & Puetz, T. W. (2005). Chronic physical activity and feelings of energy and fatigue. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 37, 299–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ohan, J. L., Leung, D. W., & Johnston, C. (2000). The parenting sense of competence scale: evidence of a stable factor structure and validity. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 32, 251–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., DeGarmo, D., & Forgatch, M. S. (2004). Systematic changes in families following prevention trials. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 32, 621–633.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., & Yorger, K. A. (2002). A developmental model for early- and late-onset antisocial behavior. In J. B. Reid, J. Snyder & G. R. Patterson (Eds), Antisocial behavior in children and adolescents: a developmental analysis and model for intervention (pp. 147–172). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perou, R., Bitsko, R. H., Blumberg, S. J., Pastor, P., Ghandour, R. M., & Gfroerer, J. C., Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Mental health surveillance among children-United States, 2005–2011. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports Supplements, 62(2), 1–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Propper, C., & Moore, G. A. (2006). The influence of parenting on infant emotionality: a multi-level psychobiological perspective. Developmental Review, 26, 427–460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puetz, T. W. (2006). Physical activity and feelings of energy and fatigue: epidemiological evidence. Sports Medicine, 36, 767–780.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Puetz, T. W., Flowers, S. S., & O’Connor, P. J. (2008). A randomized controlled trial of the effect of aerobic exercise training on feelings of energy and fatigue in sedentary young adults with persistent fatigue. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 77, 167–174.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, H., & Matthews, J. (2004). The parenting sense of competence scale: investigation of the factor structure, reliability, and validity for an Australian sample. Australian Psychologist, 39, 88–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roubinov, D. S., & Boyce, W. T. (2017). Parenting and SES: relative values or enduring principles? Current Opinion in Psychology, 15, 162–167.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Shumow, L., & Lomax, R. (2002). Parental self-efficacy: predictor of parenting behavior and adolescent outcomes. Parenting, Science and Practice, 2, 127–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sprafkin, J., Volpe, R. J., Gadow, K. D., Nolan, E. E., & Kelly, K. (2002). A DSM-IV-referenced screening instrument for preschool children: the early childhood inventory-4. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 41, 604–612.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stalsberg, R., & Pedersen, A. V. (2018). Are differences in physical activity across socioeconomic groups associated with choice of physical activity variables to report? International Journal of Environmental Research in Public Health, 15, 922

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, D., Abbey, S., Meana, M., & Boydell, K. M. (1998). What makes women tired? A community sample. Journal of Women’s Health, 7, 69–76.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stormshak, E. A., Bierman, K. L., McMahon, R. J., & Lengua, L. J. (2000). Parenting practices and child disruptive behavior problems in early elementary school. Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 29, 17–29.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Stringhini, S., Sabia, S., Shipley, M., Brunner, E., Nabi, H., Kivimaki, M., & Singh-Manoux, A. (2010). Association of socioeconomic position with health behaviors and mortality. Journal of the American Medical Association, 303, 1159–1166.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Torres-Harding, S. R., Jason, L. A., & Taylor, R. R. (2002). Fatigue severity, attributions, medical utilization, and symptoms in persons with chronic fatigue. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 25, 99–113.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Eldik, W. M., Prinzie, P., Deković, M., & de Haan, A. D. (2017). Longitudinal associations between marital stress and externalizing behavior: does parental sense of competence mediate processes? Journal of Family Psychology, 31, 420–430.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Webster-Stratton, C., Reid, M. J., & Hammond, M. (2004). Treating children with early-onset conduct problems: intervention outcomes for parent, child, and teacher training. Journal of Clinical Child Adolescent Psychology, 33, 105–124.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Webster-Stratton, C., Rinaldi, J., & Jamila, M. R. (2011). Long-term outcomes of incredible years parenting program: predictors of adolescent adjustment. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 16, 38–46.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Werner, E. E. (1992). The children of Kauai: resiliency and recovery in adolescence and adulthood. Journal of Adolescent Health, 13, 262–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., Webb, H. J., Thomas, R., & Klag, S. (2015). A new measure of toddler parenting practices and associations with attachment and mothers’ sensitivity, competence, and enjoyment of parenting. Early Child Development and Care, 185, 1422–1436.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This manuscript was completed with the support of an award (8KL2TR000116, CRS) from the University of Kentucky CTSA (UL1TR000117), supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, and with the support of an award (no number, CRS) from the Vermont Center on Behavior and Health (1P20GM103644), supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. The authors wish to thank Dr Rhya Strifling and the physicians, staff, and patients of the University of Kentucky Department of Pediatrics. The authors also acknowledge the invaluable data collection assistance of Britteny Howell, Sonja Rich, Madison Liford, Sofiana Hoffman, and Robin Thompson.

Authors Contributions

C.R.S. designed and executed the study, analyzed the data, and completed writing and editing of the final manuscript. M.R.P. assisted with data analyses and wrote the initial manuscript draft. J.A.J. collaborated in the writing and editing of the final manuscript. B.K.F. collaborated in the writing and editing of the final manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health, Behavior & Society, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, 335 Bowman Hall, Lexington, KY, 40536-0059, USA

    Christina R. Studts

  2. Department of Health, Behavior & Society, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Meagan R. Pilar, Julie A. Jacobs & Brigid K. Fitzgerald

Authors
  1. Christina R. Studts
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Meagan R. Pilar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Julie A. Jacobs
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Brigid K. Fitzgerald
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christina R. Studts.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethics Statement

The research involved human subjects. The protocol was approved by the University of Kentucky IRB.

Informed Consent Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s note: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Studts, C.R., Pilar, M.R., Jacobs, J.A. et al. Fatigue and Physical Activity: Potential Modifiable Contributors to Parenting Sense of Competence. J Child Fam Stud 28, 2901–2909 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01470-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01470-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation