Chunk #10 — Observed Parenting Behavior with Teens: Measurement Invariance and Predictive Validity Across Race — Rewards and Costs in Parenting Behaviors
This study examines (a) equality of measurement using observer ratings of parenting behavior with adolescents during structured tasks, (b) race differences in mean levels of observed parenting, and (c) predictive validity of observed parenting to teen self-reports of antisocial behaviors and beliefs. The sample includes 163 African American and 168 European American families. We assessed four parenting constructs: prosocial rewards, psychological costs, antisocial rewards, and problem solving. Variables were measured using the Social Development Model-Observational Coding System (Spagnolo et al., 2002). First, we assessed measurement invariance in the four observed parenting constructs and teen-reported outcomes. Then we tested for mean-level differences and the degree to which relationships between parenting and youth outcomes were equivalent across racial/ethnic groups. We focus on teen antisocial behaviors and beliefs because they are frequently the target of family-based prevention efforts (Forehand & McMahon, 1981; Haggerty, Skinner, Fleming, Gainey, & Catalano, 2008).
