Reliability of the Fathering Role Perception Scale in a Turkish Sample: A Meta-Analysis

The Father Role Perception Scale (FRPS) is a widely used tool to assess fathers' perceptions of their parenting roles. Understanding the consistency of its measurement across different studies is crucial for reliable interpretation of research findings.

A comprehensive literature search identified 317 studies on fathering roles. Applying inclusion criteria, 32 studies with 9,987 participants were selected for meta-analysis. Cronbach's alpha coefficients, an indicator of internal consistency reliability, were extracted from each study and analyzed to determine the overall reliability of the FRPS.

The meta-analysis revealed an average Cronbach's alpha value of 0.80 for the FRPS, indicating generally acceptable reliability. However, variability in reliability was observed across studies, potentially attributable to sample characteristics, data collection methods, or cultural differences.

While the FRPS demonstrates acceptable reliability for assessing fathers' perceptions of their parenting roles, researchers should conduct reliability analyses within their specific study groups and consider potential influencing factors when interpreting results. This meta-analysis contributes valuable information for researchers and practitioners in family and child health, aiding in the understanding of fatherhood experiences and the development of supportive programs.