The representation of child–parent relation: validation of the Italian version of the child–parent relationship scale (CPRS-I)

This study proposes a psychometric validation of the Italian version of theChild–Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) developed by Pianta in 1992. Based onattachment theory, the scale assesses parents’ relationship perceptions with theirown child and comprises three scales: Closeness, Conflict, and Dependency. Asample of 501 parents (188 fathers and 313 mothers) completed 30 items of theItalian version of the Child–Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS-I) online, but only 437 answered 85% of the entire protocol; hence, the analyses only focused on 437 participants. The first analysis of the original theoretical model revealed poorfit, item loadings, and internal consistency. Therefore, a follow-up analysis wasconducted. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses with a split sample (EFA = 218; CFA = 219) confirmed the original three-factor structure of the Italian sample, although some items were eliminated. The validity and reliability of the Italianversion of the CPRS-I were also verified by correlating the above three factors withmeasures of adult attachment styles and children’s internalizing and externalizingbehaviors. The CPRS-I showed significant correlations with all tested constructs,in line with those found by Driscoll and Pianta for the short form of the scale.Our results confirm that the CPRS-I has the same structure as the original scale; therefore, it can be  a useful tool for assessing parents’ perceptions of their relationship with their children. The implications for educational and clinical settings are also discussed.