Parental self-efficacy on temper tantrum frequency in children

Although typical in children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years, temper tantrums can be predictive of maladaptive outcomes, particularly if they continue into later ages. Parental self-efficacy (PSE) has emerged as a powerful mediator of children temperament and a predictor of specific positive parenting practices. This study aimed to determine the correlation between PSE and temper tantrum frequency in children aged 2-5 years. This study was a correlational research. Ninety-six parents of children aged 2-5 years participated in this study. The Self-efficacy for Parenting Task Index-Toddler Scale and Multidimensional Assessment of Preschool Behaviour Problem were used to assess the study variables. The data was analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. The statistical test results showed a significant correlation between parental self-efficacy and temper tantrum frequency (p-value = 0.000; r = -0.669). The majority of respondents had a moderate level of PSE, and most of the children had low temper tantrum frequency that was mostly expressed with screaming, stamping feet and holding breath. It can be concluded that there was a correlation between PSE and temper tantrum frequency in children aged 2-5 years in a negative direction, which means the higher the PSE, the lower the temper tantrum frequency.