An examination of the association between parental mental health and parental perceptions of nurturing care in the first 1000 days

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