Re: Measures for parenting

[holden@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (George Holden)]

  There are a variety of self-report scales out there that assess reports
of parental behavior or behavioral intentions.  It depends what variables
you are looking for to assess.  Most of the instruments listed below focus
on reported behavior although some include some attitude questions as well.

Some measure parenting traits (a la Baumrind) (e.g., Robinson, et al,
Psych. Reports, 1995, 77, 819-830; or Buri, J. of Personality Assessment,
1991, 57, 110-119.)

The Iowa Parent Behavior Inventory (Crase, Clark, & Pease, 1979) is
available from the Iowa State Dept. of Child Development. It measures
parental involvement, limit setting, responsiveness, reasoning guidance,
free expression , and intimacy.

The Parenting Inventoy (Fox, J. Pediatric Psych, 1992, 17, 231-239)
measures expectations, discipline, and nurturance.

The Parenting Scale (Arnold, et al., Psych. Assessment, 1993, 5, 137-144)
measures laxness, overreactivity, and verbosity.

I've published a short scale assessing parental reports of nine common
disciplinary responses to child misbehavior (Holden, et. al, Merrill Palmer
Quarterly, 1995, 41, 431-452.

If you have $, the Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (Western
Psychological Services) taps into Parental Support, Satisfaction with
Parenting, Involvement, Communication, Limit Setting, Autonomy, and Role
Orientation.

There is also a NC-158 Q sort inventory of parenting behaviors (from Univ.
of Wisconsin (Joseph Lawton was the major developer).  But given the
format, I don't recommend it.

You might also look through Touliatos, J., et al. (1990) Handbook of family
measurement techniques. Sage.  Some other instruments can be found there.

Good luck.

George Holden

***************************************************************************

George W. Holden, Ph.D.
Psychology Department
Mezes 330
University of Texas
Austin, TX  78712

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