Measurement of psychological flexibility in the context of parenting: A scoping review

Abstract

Psychological flexibility in the context of parenting (i.e., parenting flexibility) is associated with positive outcomes for parents and children, and it is a target of psychological interventions. Psychological flexibility as a construct has been historically difficult to define and measure, and parenting flexibility is subject to the same challenges. This scoping review aims to map and summarize the literature on development and validation of measures of parenting flexibility, and to provide recommendations for measurement selection to inform research and clinical practice. OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINFO, and google scholar were searched for articles pertaining to the development and/or validation of a measure of parenting flexibility, supplemented with solicitation from professionals in the field. Two independent reviewers screened 820 titles and abstracts and assessed 32 full-text articles for inclusion criteria: peer reviewed, published in English, empirical studies using parent samples, assessed a construct related to parenting flexibility, and involved the development and/or validation of a measurement tool. Translated measures were included in the final article synthesis if a full-text English version was available. A total of 18 studies were included in the final scoping review. Charting was used to map demographic and sample characteristics, relevant results, and indications for measurement selection. Seven measures were identified, four for general parenting flexibility and three for specific parenting contexts. Validity and reliability across measures was variable, but generally demonstrated utility of use. There is overlap and divergence with regard to item wording, aspects of psychological flexibility being measured, and relevancy to different aspects of parenting. Limited evidence exists to determine which measure best applies to specific purposes. Recommendations are made for measurement selection and areas of future research.