Parents often wonder why their children become defiant or aggressive. A recent study published in the prestigious journal *Family Relations* suggests that the answer may lie in how parents perceive themselves and the level of stress they experience.
The study, titled “From Parenting Self-Efficacy to Child Externalizing Problems: The Role of Perceived Parent Stress and Practices,” authored by Ionut Stelian Florean, Anca Dobrean, and Robert Balazsi of Babeș-Bolyai University, explores the subtle connection between parental psychology and child behavior. The study, conducted at Babeș-Bolyai University, provides clear evidence of how “parental self-efficacy”—that is, a parent’s confidence in their ability to successfully raise their child—directly influences the well-being of the entire family.
The Vicious Cycle of Stress
According to the researchers, when a parent lacks confidence in their parenting methods, they tend to feel much more stressed. This stress does not remain “locked” inside the adult’s mind but quickly translates into less effective parenting practices, sometimes even harsh or inconsistent ones.
The data show that this high level of stress acts as a negative “bridge”: the stressed and insecure parent becomes more reactive, which leads to the emergence of externalizing problems in children (aggression, rule-breaking, or tantrums).
Key takeaways for parents
The team led by Ionuț Stelian Florean highlights several key points. First, confidence matters: Parents who believe in their abilities tend to handle difficult situations with greater calm. The second point is that stress is the mediator: It is not the parent’s lack of experience that directly causes the child’s problems, but the stress generated by feelings of incompetence. And third, practices matter: A parent who feels capable will use positive discipline methods, thereby reducing the risk that the child will develop problematic behaviors.
Why is this study important?
The importance of the research published by Wiley lies in the fact that it offers a practical solution. Instead of focusing solely on correcting the child’s behavior, we should invest in supporting parents. Counseling programs that help adults regain their self-confidence and manage stress can be much more effective in the long run.
The study reveals something as simple as it is profound: a parent who takes care of their emotional well-being and believes in their own strengths gives their child the best start for harmonious development.
The results of this study are promoted by UBB Core, the Career Guidance Center for Researchers at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania through the PNRR C9-I10 program, Next Generation of the EU and the National Research Authority of Romania.
