BackgroundThe Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale is a commonly used measure of parental self‐efficacy. Previous investigations of the factor structure of this instrument have been unsatisfactory and there is no adequate normative group against which at‐risk groups can be compared.

MethodsA non‐clinical sample of 586 mothers and 615 fathers completed the PSOC.

ResultsFactor analysis produced three acceptable factors (Satisfaction, Efficacy, Interest) that accounted for 47.3% and 50.1% of the variance for mothers and fathers respectively. Mothers reported higher efficacy than fathers, and fathers reported greater satisfaction with the parenting role than did mothers.

ConclusionThe PSOC contains three useful factors that reflect satisfaction with the parental role, parenting efficacy and interest in parenting. The paper provides normative data against which at‐risk groups can be compared.