Developing More Ways for Children to Share Their Perceptions of Parenting Behaviors

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to modify an existing parent report measure on perceptions of parenting behaviors for use with children, as well as examine the relationships among child perceptions of parenting behaviors, their life stress experiences, and their use of coping strategies. The participants for this study were 63 children between the ages of 8 and 12 years who were recruited from daycare centers and a local organization for families. The psychometric properties of the newly modified child report measure of parenting behaviors (the Parenting Scale – Child; PS-Child), including internal consistency and test-retest reliability, were found to vary from low to adequate overall. Furthermore, the PS-Child Total Score and Over-Reactivity Subscale were found to significantly correlate with an existing child report measure of parenting behaviors (the Parent Perception Inventory). Additionally, relationships between child perceptions of parenting behaviors and child stress were evaluated. Results indicated that child reports of greater stress corresponded to greater reports of negative parenting behaviors. Finally, specific types of child reported coping strategies were found to indirectly influence the relationship between child stress and child perceptions of parenting behavior. Further modifications and psychometric considerations are discussed regarding the PS-Child. Additionally, the importance of gathering information from children on parenting behaviors or a variety of other topics is highlighted, including examining similarities or differences between child perceptions and others’ perceptions.