Development and Validation of the Hope for Parenting Scale

The current project aimed to develop and validate the Hope for Parenting Scale (HFPS), a five-item self-report instrument that addresses hopeful thinking of parents. In Sample 1, 413 fathers of infants completed the HFPS. In Sample 2, 290 mothers and fathers of children age 0-18 completed the HFPS. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted using Sample 1 and the single factor solution suggested by EFA item loadings was examined using confirmatory factor analysis with Sample 2. Convergent validity was established via significant correlations to criterion measures of trait hope and paternal involvement with infants. Discriminant validity was established through significant correlations to a measure of depression, anxiety, and stress. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.