Abstract
[Objective] This study aimed to clarify the association between the feeling of <Childrearing Difficulty> and other parenting problems, and the influences of family functions. [Methods] A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 498 mothers who participated in health check-up at 1-month. Items were the Childrearing Support Questionnaire (Kawai et al., 2000), Family functioning Scale (FFS) Japanese version, (Kanzaki et al., 2012), attributes, satisfaction with the husband's involving and availability of external support in parenting. 264 valid answers were studied. [Results] The correlation coefficient of the parenting problems and FFS scores showed a significant negative correlation (r=-0.567, p=0.000). Multiple regression analyses were performed to develop a path model. On covariance structure analysis, the goodness of fit of this model was confirmed, with GFI=0.989, AGFI=0.963, RMSEA=0.020, and χ^2=12.51, and its degree of freedom was 11, with p=0.352. [Discussion] The results of covariance structure analysis confirmed that the main parenting problems influencing the <Childrearing Difficulty> are <the mother's anxiety or depression> and <Difficult Baby>, and they are under the significant negative influence of <Affective bonding>, <Communication>, and <External relationship> as FFS factors. The remaining factors, <Roles and responsibilities>, <Family norm>, and <Communication>, were shown to be influencing factors that strengthen <Affective bonding>. It suggested that the approach for strengthening family functions is effective for reducing parenting stress.
