Parental stress among Norwegian fathers and mothers

Similarities and differences

Bibliographic Data

ID2929565
AuthorsSilje S Hukkelberg (0000-0001-8660-5868, The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development), Silje Hukkelberg (Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, corresponding author), Ane Nærde (0000-0002-3877-8016, The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development)
Year2022
Volume39
Issue4
Pages823-843
Publication date2022-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075211049725
OpenAlexW3202096567
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited41

Although fathers are increasingly involved in childrearing, less is known about how parental stress is perceived among mothers and fathers separately. The present study investigated the construct validity of the PSS in a community-based sample of Norwegian father-mother dyads with a child aged 4. A total of 1030 mothers and fathers ( N = 515 dyads) responded to the PSS, which is a much used instrument that assesses stress related to childrearing across 18 items. Construct validity was investigated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the multitrait-multimethod approach (MTMM). The results revealed that six of the items showed extensive ceiling-effects for both parents, and were excluded from further analysis. Dimensionality was examined for the remaining 12 PSS items. The results supported a two-factor solution for both fathers and mothers, reflecting parental stressors (9 items) and lack of rewards (3 items). The MTMM approach indicated convergent and discriminant validity across traits (Parental stressors and Lack of rewards) and methods (father vs mother rating). We also explored the network of PSS items for mothers and fathers, and found both similarities and differences. Overall, the results of the factor analyses have implications for the use of the PSS. The networks of PSS suggest that some items may be especially important when addressing parental stress with mothers and fathers

Confirmatory factor analysis · Construct (python library · Construct validity · Developmental psychology · Discriminant validity · Exploratory factor analysis · Internal consistency · Norwegian · Psychometrics · Stressor · Structural equation modeling · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Psychology

Tools

Open DOI