Parent Behavior Importance and Parent Behavior Frequency Questionnaires: Psychometric Characteristics

This study examined the psychometric characteristics of two parenting measures: the Parent Behavior Importance Questionnaire (PBIQ) and Parent Behavior Frequency Questionnaire (PBFQ). Both research questionnaires are based on the parent development theory (PDT) and offer parent as well as non-parent respondents the opportunity to rate 38 parenting behaviors in terms of importance or frequency, respectively. The parenting behaviors correspond to one of six PDT parenting characteristics (i.e., bonding, discipline, education, general welfare and protection, responsivity, sensitivity); according to the PDT, these characteristics vary in importance and frequency according to children’s developmental levels as well as unique characteristics and needs. Psychometric examination of these questionnaires reveals that the scales have strength in terms of reliability and validity. Results are discussed relative to reliability and validity, the PDT, and current parenting research.