Validation of the Perceived Parental Autonomy Support Scale (P-PASS)

Using a multidimensional perspective, the Perceived Parental Autonomy Support Scale (P-PASS) assesses autonomy-supportive and controlling parenting (Grolnick & Pomerantz, 2009). Two studies document the instrument's psychometric properties (Study 1, N = 210, mean age = 18.8 years; Study 2, N = 315, mean age = 18.5 years). Exploratory factor analyses first show that the P-PASS factor structure is best described by a 2-factor solution, 1 representing perceived autonomy support and the other, controlling parenting. Cronbach's alphas confirm the internal consistency of the P-PASS scales (alpha > .89), and correlation patterns with the Psychological Control Scale (Barber, 1996) and other parenting components (i.e., acceptance and monitoring) support convergent and divergent validity. Hierarchical regressions also show that perceived autonomy support predicts young adults' adjustment, above and beyond controlling parenting (Studies 1 and 2) and parental acceptance and monitoring (Study 2). Overall, these results suggest the P-PASS usefulness in studying perceived autonomy-supportive and controlling parenting.