The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale: Examining the Reliability and Validity in Spanish Parents

Abstract

ObjectivesMindful parenting is the extension of dispositional mindfulness to parent–child interactions. The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting scale (IM-P) is a 31-item self-report measure to assess different dimensions of mindful parenting. Its psychometric properties have been evaluated in several countries. Two studies were conducted, and the principal aim was to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the IM-P in two samples of Spanish parents.MethodIn Study 1, 785 parents filled out this questionnaire and a dispositional mindfulness questionnaire. In Study 2, 859 parents responded to questions about mindful parenting and self-compassion.ResultsThe results of an exploratory factor analysis suggested a 5-factor structure in Study 1: nonjudgmental acceptance of parental functioning, compassion for the child, listening with full attention, self-regulation in parenting, and emotional awareness of the child. This 5-factor model was also evaluated through a confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2. The 5 factors showed good internal consistency and positive correlations with measures of dispositional mindfulness (Study 1) and self-compassion (Study 2).ConclusionsThe Spanish version of the IM-P has demonstrated adequate psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity in two samples of Spanish parents.