Social support and parenting self-efficacy among Chinese women in the perinatal period

Objectiveto examine the changes in and relationship between perceived social support and parenting self-efficacy in the perinatal period among pregnant women in mainland China.Design and settingthis was a secondary analysis with data from part of an experimental study of the effects of an interpersonal-psychotherapy-oriented childbirth psychoeducation programme on maternal adaptation. A longitudinal design was employed in the present study. The study was carried out from July 2008 to May 2009 in one general hospital in Guangzhou, China.Participantsa convenience sample of 68 first-time mothers in mainland China completed measurement of social support and parenting self-efficacy during pregnancy and at six weeks and three months post partum.Findingsperceived social support and parenting self-efficacy declined during early motherhood. Parenting self-efficacy increased from six weeks post partum to three months post partum. Perceived social support positively correlated with parenting self-efficacy.Conclusionculturally competent health-care intervention should be developed during early motherhood to promote perceived social support and parenting self-efficacy for the new mothers.