Development and Validation of a Coparenting Scale for Parents with Preschoolers

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a coparenting scale for parents with preschoolers.Methods: Data were collected from a sample of Korean parents with children aged between 3-5 years. A total of 600 participants (300 for development and 300 for validation) were asked to answer questionnaires for the development and validation of a coparenting scale. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and correlation analysis.Results: A coparenting scale with 24 items was developed, which comprised four subscales: support (7 items), undermining (7 items), conflict (5 items), and communication (5 items). The scale was verified using both consequential and cross validity. First, the subscales of the scale showed a significant correlation with those of marital conflict, parenting stress, parenting, and preschoolers’ behavior problems. Next, confirmatory factor analysis of data from the second sample indicated adequate fit for the scale, suggesting that it could be applicable to parents with preschoolers with similar demographic backgrounds. Cronbach’s α ranged from .83 to .94, indicating a high level of internal consistency.Conclusion: This study involved developing a coparenting scale for parents with preschoolers and verifying its validity. This reliable and valid coparenting scale would be an invaluable tool for research in coparenting and the related fields such as parent consultation and parenting education.