Psychometric properties of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form in a Peruvian sample

Abstract

Background The stress experienced by parents in fulfilling their parental role has consequences for couple dynamics, parent–child interactions, and the mental health of parents. However, studies on the psychometric properties of the PSI-SF, particularly among Latin American parents, are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Methods The participants were Peruvian mothers and fathers with children in early childhood and primary education, with a mean age of 34.4 years (SD = 6.8). The sample was obtained in two phases: 130 participants for the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and 791 participants for the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Results The study results show a modified three-factor structure of the PSI-SF scale, with adequate fit indices (GFI = .99, AGFI = .99, SRMR = .024, CFI = .98, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .074) and loadings above 0.40. Additionally, the three factors of the scale demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega values for Parental Distress (α = .94; ω = .95), Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction (α = .97; ω = .97), and Difficult Child (α = .94; ω = .94). The scale was also found to be invariant with respect to gender. Conclusion In conclusion, the study results suggest that the modified PSI-SF has adequate psychometric properties and is invariant for assessing parental stress in Peruvian fathers and mothers with children in early childhood and primary education.