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A Multi-Domain Self-Report Measure of Coparenting
Mark E Feinberg1, Louis D Brown, Marni L Kan
1Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, Marion Suite 402, University Park, PA 16801. mef11@psu.edu.
Parenting, Science and Practice
|November 21, 2012
Summary
This study validated the Coparenting Relationship Scale, a tool measuring how parents work together. The scale shows good reliability and validity for assessing coparenting dynamics in dual-parent families.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- The coparenting relationship is crucial for child development and family well-being.
- Existing measures may not fully capture the multi-domain nature of coparenting.
- A reliable and valid instrument is needed to assess coparenting dynamics in dual-parent families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the psychometric properties of a multi-domain measure of the coparenting relationship.
- To assess the reliability, stability, and construct validity of the Coparenting Relationship Scale.
- To evaluate both a full-length and a brief version of the scale.
Main Methods:
- 152 couples in a transition to parenthood study completed the Coparenting Relationship Scale and other measures.
- Data were collected at child ages 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years via home visits.
- Psychometric assessments included reliability, stability, construct validity, and associations with related constructs.
Main Results:
- The 35-item scale demonstrated good reliability, strong stability, and satisfactory psychometric properties.
- Subscales measuring agreement, closeness, conflict exposure, support, undermining, endorsement, and division of labor showed good reliability.
- A 14-item brief version showed strong associations with the full scale and valid construct relations.
Conclusions:
- The Coparenting Relationship Scale possesses good psychometric properties, including reliability, stability, and construct validity.
- The scale can be flexibly administered in short and long forms.
- This measure is poised to advance conceptual and methodological progress in coparenting research.
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