Mediating Effect of The Child Executive Functioning on the Correlation Between Self-Efficacy and Mental Health among Caregivers of Children With Special Needs

AUTHOR(S)

HANNAH A. PAFIN ROGAR R. GARCIA, EdD

ABSTRACT

—— Poor mental health among caregivers of children with special needs remains a significant concern. This study employed a predictive research design to examine the mediating effect of child executive functioning on the relationship between self-efficacy and mental health among these caregivers. Data were collected from 100 respondents selected through proportionate stratified random sampling and analyzed using mediation analysis. The results revealed that child executive functioning fully and substantially mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and caregivers’ mental health, thereby supporting Self-Efficacy Theory. Specifically, self-efficacy influences mental health indirectly through its effect on child executive functioning. It is recommended that future research explore additional variables and incorporate qualitative approaches to provide deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying caregiver mental health. Moreover, schools are encouraged to implement programs that strengthen child executive functioning as a means of enhancing caregiver well-being. Keywords: Caregivers of children with special needs, correlation between self-efficacy, mediating effect of the child executive functioning, mental health