EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTING SEL-EFFICACY AND PARENTAL ACCEPTANCE AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDERN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Abstract

Background: Parenting self-efficacy (PSE) is an important factor influencing parental acceptance of children with special needs (CWSN). Parents’ confidence in their ability to raise their children contributes to forming positive attitudes toward their child’s condition. Object: This study aimed to explore the relationship between parenting self-efficacy and parental acceptance among parents of children with special needs attending special schools (SLB) in Cluring District, Banyuwangi Indonesia. Method: This quantitative cross-sectional study examined the relationship between parenting self-efficacy (independent variable) and parental acceptance (dependent variable) among parents of children with special needs attending special schools (SLB) in Cluring District. From a population of 200 parents, 188 were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) and the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Spearman Rank correlation test. Results: The results of the Spearman rank correlation test showed a correlation coefficient of 0.191 with a significance value of 0.009 (p < 0.05), indicating a positive and significant relationship between parenting self-efficacy and parental acceptance. These findings suggest that parents with higher levels of parenting self-efficacy tend to show greater acceptance of their children’s conditions. Conclusion: It is recommended that parents of children with special needs enhance their parenting self-efficacy through participation in training programs, community support, and professional consultations to strengthen parental acceptance and promote positive parenting behaviours.