Social Support, Family Empowerment, Substance Use, and Perceived Parenting Competency during Pregnancy for Women with Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT

Background: Parenting self-efficacy has been linked to positive parent and child outcomes however, little research exists on factors that influence parenting self-efficacy among pregnant women with substance use disorders. Objectives: This study explored substance use severity, social support, and family empowerment as predictors of parenting self-efficacy among pregnant women (N = 71) entering SUD treatment. Methods: The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design. Results: Statistically significant positive correlations emerged between social support and parenting self-efficacy as well as family empowerment and parenting self-efficacy. Family empowerment and social support were also correlated. A backward elimination regression analysis revealed family empowerment to be the strongest predictor of parenting self-efficacy. No relationships were found among substance use severity and the study variables. Conclusions: When promoting parenting self-efficacy, both social support and family empowerment are important domains to consider for treatment planning and resource development among pregnant women with substance use disorders.

Keywords:

• Pregnant
• substance use
• parenting self-efficacy

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by U.S. Children's Bureau grant number #90CF0042.