Factors of parenting stress in mothers of young and preschool children: an analysis of foreign studies

Abstract

The article analyzes the phenomenon of parenting stress: the concept, structure, and factors that influence its emergence. The analysis of foreign studies revealed 3 main groups of factors of parenting stress in mothers of early- and preschool- aged children: child’s characteristics, personality characteristics and mother’s socio-demographic characteristics, socio-psychological factors. The study showed that parenting stress in this group of mothers interplays with the temperament of the child, his health and age. As personal characteristics are concerned, the closest relations were found with the neuroticism of the mother and her assessment of self-efficacy. The review also revealed the effect of depression and psychopathology on maternal personality and constructive coping strategies which help to reduce parenting stress. The experience of neglect and abuse in childhood, a low level of marriage satisfaction and social support contribute to increased parenting stress of mothers having children of early and preschool age