Abstract
Factor analytic studies of one of the widely used measurements of parental discipline, the Parenting Scale (PS), have yielded
ambiguous results. The purpose of this study was to compare various forms of the PS in terms of factor structure and other
psychometric properties. The sample consisted of 617 mothers and 430 fathers of 2 to 5-year-olds. Confirmatory factor analysis
indicated that shorter structural models provided a better fit compared to the original model; however, none led to an optimal
fit. Other psychometric properties such as internal consistency, test-retest reliability, concurrent and predictive validity
were slightly higher for the original Laxness and Overreactivity subscales. The findings from this study and previous studies
suggest that the inter-item relationship in the scale might be too sensitive to sample characteristics, implying that factor
analysis might not be the best way to measure the scale’s validity. Nevertheless, other psychometric properties support the
use of the Parenting Scale in the assessment of dysfunctional parenting practices. We recommend using the original Laxness
and Overreactivity subscales rather than the later models, especially for research purposes.
ambiguous results. The purpose of this study was to compare various forms of the PS in terms of factor structure and other
psychometric properties. The sample consisted of 617 mothers and 430 fathers of 2 to 5-year-olds. Confirmatory factor analysis
indicated that shorter structural models provided a better fit compared to the original model; however, none led to an optimal
fit. Other psychometric properties such as internal consistency, test-retest reliability, concurrent and predictive validity
were slightly higher for the original Laxness and Overreactivity subscales. The findings from this study and previous studies
suggest that the inter-item relationship in the scale might be too sensitive to sample characteristics, implying that factor
analysis might not be the best way to measure the scale’s validity. Nevertheless, other psychometric properties support the
use of the Parenting Scale in the assessment of dysfunctional parenting practices. We recommend using the original Laxness
and Overreactivity subscales rather than the later models, especially for research purposes.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10862-012-9281-x
- Authors
- Raziye Salari, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Samariterhemmets Hospital, Box 609, 751 25 Uppsala, Sweden
- Cathrine Terreros, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Anna Sarkadi, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Journal Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
- Online ISSN 1573-3505
- Print ISSN 0882-2689