Parent Empowerment at School Entry: Effects of an Occupational Therapy–Based Program on Parental Self-Efficacy, Parenting Stress, and Parent–Child Relationship

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an occupational therapy–based parent empowerment program on parental self-efficacy, stress, and parent–child relationship during the transition to school. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was used with 64 parents of children aged 5–6 years. A six-week structured program was implemented. After the program, parenting stress decreased, while parental self-efficacy increased (p < .001). Parent–child relationship closeness improved, and conflict decreased (p < .001). ANCOVA showed between-group differences with large effect sizes. Occupational therapy parent programs incorporating behavioral strategies may reduce parenting stress, improve parental self-efficacy, and parent–child relationships during the school transition.