Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Based on previous studies, this study is to derive a hypothesized model of the causal relationship between variables affecting the social pre-parental role and clarify the path fitness and effect.

Data from 287 unmarried men and women on Oct/1∼Dec/31/2018. Independent t-test and ANOVA for social pre-parental role in general characteristics, Scheffe's test for post-verification, Pearson correlation coefficient for observed variables, maximum likelihood for parameter estimation of the model, CFA for validity of latent variable, χ2, χ2/df, RMSEA, SRMR, GFI, AGFI, CFI, NFI and TLI for fitness, and bootstrapping for direct effect, indirect effect, and statistical significance of total effect.

All six pathways presented in the hypothesis model of the study were significant. The χ2 was not fitted as 45.668 (p<.001) but the χ2/df was fitted as 2.686. Absolute fit indices all met the recommended level (RMR=.005, RMSEA=.077, GFI=.963, AGFI=.921), and the incremental fit index was also fit (NFI=.966, TLI=.964, CFI=.978). The variables affecting social pre-parent role were the experience of preparent education (β=.115, p=.035), pre-parent related knowledge (β=.157, p=.004), and need for pre-parent education (β=.384, p<.001), and the explanatory power was 23.7%. The most influential variable on the social pre-parental role was the need for pre-parent education (β=.384, p<.001), followed by pre-parent related knowledge (β=.211, p=.009), and experience of pre-parent education (β=.194, p=.030). The need for pre-parent education had a direct impact on the social pre-parental role. Experience of pre-parent education and pre-parent related knowledge had a direct impact on the social pre-parental role and indirectly through the need for pre-parent education.

Raising the need is necessary for pre-parent education for the improvement of the social pre-parental role. A Motivational program is needed for recognition of the need precedes the need itself.