Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice - 12(3) • Summer • 2001-2008 © 2012 Educational Consultancy and Research Center www.edam.com.tr/estp Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self – efficacy perception of mothers’ towards parenting on the peer relations of children aged between 5 and 6. The sample group of this study comprised of 200, 5 – 6 year old children (girls= 96, boys= 104), and their mothers. The Ladd and Profilet Child Behaviour Scale, the Peer Victimisation Scale and the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale – Mother Form were used to collect data of this study. Study results concluded that there was a negative significant relationship between the level of self-efficacy perceived by mothers towards parenting and variables of aggression, exclusion, fearful-anxiety, hyperactivity, and peer victimisa- tion of their children. Another conclusion obtained from this study was that the level of self-efficacy perceived by mothers towards parenting had a predictor effect on their child’s level of aggression, exclusion, fearful-anxiety, hy- peractivity, and peer victimisation. There was no significant relationship between the level of self-efficacy perceived by mothers towards parenting and their child’s level of prosocial and asocial behaviour. Key Words Peer relationships, parenting self-efficacy, preschool period, peer victimisation. Analysing Mothers’ Self-effcacy Perception towards Parenting in Relation to Peer Relationships of 5-6 year-old Preschool Children * Self – efcacy is the belief of an individual in per- forming an action. Parenting self - efcacy is con- sidered as personal decisions and beliefs based on the skills of individuals, regarding doing and organising parenting duties. It is emphasised that self – efcacy, which is approached as expectation of efective and efcient mothering, and her con- fdence in skill of meeting needs of the child, has an efect on both children and mothers (Bandura, 1997; Kendall & Bloomfeld, 2005; Kotaman, 2008; Leerkes & Burney, 2007; Montigny & Lacharite, 2005; Teti & Gelfand, 1991). Some researchers set forth that the self – efcacy perception of mothers infuences the parenting practices, behaviours and developmental areas of the child (Coleman & Karraker, 1998; Gilmore & Cuskelly, 2008; Jones & Prinz, 2005; Leerkes & Crockenberg, 2002; Teti & Gelfand, 1991). Especially the parenting depression and stress may increase the possibility of using strict and negligent discipline techniques in the education of the child by creating a low level of parenting self – efcacy in mothers. On the other hand, mothers with high parenting self – efcacy level may use more positive * The paper titled “Analysing Mothers’ Self- efficacy Perception towards Parenting in Relation to Peer Relationships of 5-6 year-old Preschool Children” was presented as a verbal statement at the National Preschool Education Congress organised by Marmara University Atatürk Faculty of Education between 1-3 June 2011. a Zarife SEÇER an academic member at Selçuk University Faculty of Vocational Education, De- partment of Child Development and Education. Among her study fields are parent self–efficacy, social skill, cognitive style and inclusive educa- tion. Correspondence: Selcuk University, Faculty of Vocational Education, Department of Child Development and Education. E-mail: zarifese- cer@selcuk.edu.tr Phone: +90 332 223 1744. Hülya GÜLAY OGELMAN Pamukkale University Semra BERENGİ Konya Provincial Directorate of National Education Alev ÖNDER Marmara University Zarife SEÇER a Selçuk University