Parenting Sense of Competence Scale

The Parenting Sense of Competence Scale asks a parent how they feel about themselves as a parent — not how the child is doing, and not what the parent does, but whether they believe they are any good at it and whether the job feels rewarding.

Two things are measured. Efficacy covers whether a parent feels capable and able to solve problems: do they have the skills, do they know what to do. Satisfaction covers frustration, anxiety, and motivation: is the role rewarding or wearing. Sixteen or seventeen statements, depending on the version, are rated on a six-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Nine items are reverse-scored, so accurate scoring depends on getting those right.

Licensing Notes: The scale is printed in full within the Johnston and Mash article and reproduced widely without a posted fee.