Validating of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale in Hong Kong Chinese

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being used in parent training and family-based programs to improve family well-being. The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting (IM-P) scale was adopted as a measure to investigate the quality of interpersonal mindfulness in parenting. We conducted a study to validate IM-P in Hong Kong Chinese community samples. In this study, n = 837 Chinese parents were recruited. Using a random sampling procedure, sample A (n = 419) was used for Parallel Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis, and sample B (n = 418) was used for Confirmatory Factor Analysis. We confirmed a four-factor structure for the 23-item Chinese version of the IM-P scale, which included Compassion for Child, Nonjudgmental Acceptance in Parenting, Emotional Awareness in Parenting, and Listening with Full Attention. The IM-P was found to have negative moderate correlations with parental depression and stress, and child behavioral problem. It also showed moderate positive correlations with parental mindfulness, happiness, and mental health, but no correlations with physical health, and positive religious coping. The unique factor structure in Hong Kong Chinese samples was discussed. Result of this study indicated that the IM-P scale is a valid measure among Chinese populations but more studies are recommended to evaluate the psychometric properties and utility of the Chinese version of the IM-P.