Intensive Parenting Behaviour Scale: Exploring its factor structure among South African mothers

Abstract

Intensive parenting practices are increasingly studied, but validated measures for diverse African contexts are limited. The Intensive Parenting Behaviour (IPB) Scale requires psychometric validation within South Africa. This study explored the factor structure and construct validity of the IPB among South African mothers of children in middle childhood (aged 6–10 years). Data were collected via an online survey completed by 507 South African mothers, with N = 382 having complete IPB data. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the underlying structure of the IPB. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a multidimensional model comprising seven first-order factors (engagement, behavioural control, autonomy support, autonomy restriction, proactive protection, talent stimulation and child-centredness) loading onto two distinct second-order factors. Engagement, behavioural control and autonomy support formed an ‘Adaptive Intensive Parenting Behaviours’ dimension. Autonomy restriction, proactive protection, talent stimulation and child-centredness formed an ‘Overinvolved Intensive Parenting Behaviours’ dimension. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency and construct validity. Results support the reliability and validity of the IPB in the South African context, revealing a robust seven-factor first-order structure underpinned by two higher-order dimensions differentiating adaptive and potentially overinvolved IPB. The IPB shows promise for assessing intensive parenting constructs among South African mothers of children in middle childhood. Consistent with prior studies on intensive parenting, the IPB yielded a number of factors, suggesting multidimensionality for the construct.
Contribution: This is the first study to examine the psychometric properties of the IPB Scale in South Africa, demonstrating good reliability and validity among South African mothers.