Psychometric properties of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Child Form (APQ-CF) in Turkish adolescents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective There are multiple risk factors, such as individual features, parenting behaviours, and peer influences associated with the development of conduct problems. The Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Child Form (APQ-CF) is a commonly used instrument to measure parenting behaviours. The study aimed to examine the factor structure of the instrument report in the Turkish context. Method The psychometric properties of the Turkish translation of the APQ-CF was examined with a sample of 357 high school students (M age = 15.68, SD = 1.07, 54.1% female). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the factor structure of the APQ. In addition, criterion-related validity and reliability coefficients for the scale were investigated. Gender differences were examined with independent samples t-tests. Results Confirmatory factor analyses with a five-factor solution (involvement, positive parenting, poor monitoring/supervision, inconsistent discipline, and corporal punishment) showed good fit. Criterion-related validity indicated that the monitoring subscale is positively correlated with conduct problems and prosocial behaviours; mother involvement and father involvement were positively associated with prosocial behaviours. Significant gender differences emerged; while girls received more mother involvement and positive parenting, boys received less monitoring behaviours. Conclusions These findings are indicative of acceptable psychometric properties for the Turkish version of the APQ-CF. Researchers and practitioners can use the instrument to measure parenting behaviours regarding conduct problems for various purposes such as diagnosis, treatment and intervention, and relation to behavioural and mental health outcomes.