An examination of the association between parental mental health and parental perceptions of nurturing care in the first 1000 days
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Date
2021
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
The first 1000 days, is the most crucial period not only for survival but also for thriving. What
happens in the early days has an immense impact on long-term development with the potential
to transform a next generation and society. Research suggests that if parents are nurturing,
responsive and have a strong attachment with their baby in the first 1000 days, they will
develop positively but parents need to be well to do this. The research on nurturing parenting
and the mental health of parents is very limited in South Africa. The study aimed to assess the
association between parental mental health (mental well-being) and parental perceptions of
nurturing care in the first 1000 days. A quantitative research approach was used with a crosssectional
correlational research design. A non-probability purposive sample was selected in
Cape Town, Western Cape. The sample consisted of 147 parents who are either pregnant or
has children aged between 0 and 2 years old. The data for this study was obtained through selfreport
questionnaires which consisted of demographics, Parenting (PASCQ), Nurturing Care
(Parent child attachment and PAI), responsive parenting and parental mental health (DASS
21). Questionnaires were in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Data was analysed using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v27. Data was interpreted using descriptive and
inferential statistics. The findings of the study suggest that for parents with children in the first
1000 days, there is a significant positive relationship between parental mental health
(depression, anxiety, stress) and negative parenting approaches and vice versa. The
assumptions of the study were confirmed that there is a relati
Description
Magister Artium (Child and Family Studies) - MA(CFS)
Keywords
First 1000 days, Parent, Parenting styles, Parenting practices