Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
A Responsive Feeding Questionnaire Based on Self-Determination Theory for Caregivers of Chinese Toddlers
Yan Liu1, Guiling Yu2, Zhihui Li2
1School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
Objective:
To develop and test the psychometric properties of a responsive feeding questionnaire (RFQ) on the basis of Self-Determination Theory for caregivers of toddlers aged 12-24 months in China.
Design:
Item generation, preliminary evaluation items, refinement questionnaire, and psychometric properties testing.
Setting:
Toddlers' caregivers from Shandong Province, China, were surveyed online between June 2021 and February 2022 (n = 616).
Main Outcome Measure:
Content, face, and construct validity and reliability of the RFQ.
Analysis:
Content validity was performed on the basis of expert panel feedback and cognitive interviews among caregivers. Construct validity was evaluated using principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Test-retest reliability was conducted with a sample of 105 caregivers.
Results:
Over 3 phases of testing, a new instrument was developed to measure responsive feeding in toddler caregivers. The instrument was reliable, with an internal consistency of 0.87 and an intraclass correlation of 0.92. The principal component analysis identified a 3-factor solution (autonomy support, positive involvement, appropriate response) aligning with a theoretical framework from Self-Determination Theory. The final version of the instrument included 23 items.
Conclusions And Implications:
The 23-item RFQ has been validated in a Chinese population. Future research needs to validate this instrument in other countries and with children of different ages.
Related Concept Videos
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Self-Schemas

