Transition from parental coping to parental efficacy: what factors support parental efficacy development for parents of infants born with special need?

Includes bibliographical references (pages 93-100)The purpose of this study was to contribute to the understanding of parent as advocates in obtaining positive parental efficacy in their role as parents of infants challenged with special needs. The researcher chose CHIME Institute, located in Woodland Hills, California and in conjunction with California State University Northridge Child and Family Studies Center inclusive program, located in Northridge, California, to implement a self-repot survey questionnaire. The organization services infants/toddlers/children under five diagnosed with special needs by incorporating the child???s physical, cognitive, and social needs and services in an inclusive classroom environment. A self-report data questionnaire was used to for a sample response of 5 dyads (n=10) regarding their grief process towards parent advocacy and obtainment of parental efficacy. Inductive analysis evaluated parent response to infant???s diagnosis, grief processing, family dynamics, impact on parenting, knowledge of child???s needs and rights, acquisition of knowledge, familial support from extended relatives, and the role of play as sources of support in developing more positive parental efficacy perceptions. Dyads acknowledged supportive factors such as parent knowledge, the role of siblings, and grandparent involvement as influential components towards positive attitudes in their ability to parent