Competências parentais percebidas: Um estudo comparativo entre as famílias em risco psicossocial e na população em geral

Perceived parenting Competences are a relevant dimension in the study of parenting and are related to family and child well-being. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare perceived parenting skills between families with minors at psychosocial risk and from the general population. We interviewed 131 parents monitored by the Child and Youth Protection Commissions and 247 parents from the general population living in the Algarve region. We used the Perceived Parental Competence Scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The levels of perceived parental efficacy in both groups were very similar to those observed with parents from the general population, but psychosocial at-risk families were less satisfied with their parental role than families from the general population. These results highlight the need to promote parenting satisfaction and readjustment of parental efficacy as aims in psychoeducational interventions in families at risk. The implications for social policies for this vulnerable group are discussed.