Parental negativity was assessed using the Negative Sanctions subscale adapted from a previously well-validated parent–child relationship measure (Dunn et al. 2003; Hetherington and Clingempeel 1992). Five items assessed children’s perceptions on how common it was for their parents to yell at them, take away their privileges, make fun of them, and act authoritatively towards them (2 items). This was repeated for each parent, resulting in paternal and maternal negativity scales. Example items include “How common is it for your mum to yell at you about something you did wrong?” Response options were very uncommon (0), uncommon (1), somewhat common (2), common (3), very common (4). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.73 for paternal negativity and 0.67 for maternal negativity.
