Validation of the Emotional and Social Parenting Competence Scale for Parents of Adolescents (ECOPES-A)

Adolescence is traditionally understood as a developmental stage that challenges family dynamics and coexistence. At present, such challenges may be heightened due to current social and technological challenges. Effective assessment of parental competences for addressing such challenges is desirable to support, were needed, the introduction of further intervention measures, such as parenting programs. The aim of the present study was to validate the Emotional and Social Parenting Competence Scale for Parents of Adolescents (ECOPES-A), given the importance of having up-to-date instruments available to address this issue. A random sample of 1,422 Spanish parents of teenagers participated in the present study. Exploratory ( EFA ) and confirmatory factor analyses ( CFA ) were performed following a cross-validation process. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis ( MGCFA ) was applied to test the model's factorial invariance as a function of the sex of parents. Twelve items explaining 46.26% of the variance were selected. Items were distributed according to four factors, namely, F1-Self-Regulation, F2Assertiveness and self-esteem in the parenting role, F3-Power assertion for conflict resolution, and F4-Promotion of child's selfesteem through assertive communication. Adequate reliability was determined for all factors and for the overall scale. The model presented good fit, regardless of the sex of the parent respondent, and MGCFA revealed strict factorial invariance suggesting that the tool is appropriate for both fathers and mothers. The scale may be useful for identifying parental support needs and for evaluating evidence-based parenting programs.