Validation of the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting: An application of item response theory

Parenting is a critical mechanism contributing to child and adolescent development and outcomes. The Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale (MAPS) is a new measure that aims to address gaps in the literature on existing self-report parenting measures. Research to date on the MAPS includes essential steps of scale development and validation; however, replicating scale dimensionality and examining differential item functioning (DIF) based on child age and a parent or child gender is a critical next step. The current study included 1,790 mothers and fathers of sons and daughters, spanning childhood to adolescence in the United States. Item response theory (IRT) confirmed initial factor-analytic work revealing positive and negative dimensions; however, the best-fitting multidimensional model included six nested dimensions from the original seven. A few notable items displayed DIF based on child age and parent gender; however, DIF based on child gender had minimal impact on the overall score. Future directions, clinical implications, and recommendations are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).