The Two-Factor Structure of the Parent Cognitive Error Questionnaire: A Measure of Parental Cognitive Errors in Relation to Child Problems

Overview

Journal Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol

Specialties Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Psychology

Date 2022 May 21

PMID 35596823

Authors

Yuanyuan Jiang

Kevin Delucchi

Nina Kaiser

Stephen P Hinshaw

Keith McBurnett

Linda J Pfiffner

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study evaluated the factor structure of the scores from a parent rating scale, the Parent Cognitive Error Questionnaire (PCEQ), which measures parents' attributions of child misbehavior and problems. The factor structure of the scores of the PCEQ was examined among 199 children (ages 7-11; mean age: 8.64 years, 58.30% boys, 53.80% White) with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Predominantly Inattentive Presentation. Reliability and validity of the factors were assessed. Two factors emerged from this sample: (1) parent-specific cognitive errors (self-blame for child problems), and (2) child-specific cognitive errors (child-blame for child problems). Both were related to parent-rated parental depression, parenting satisfaction, parenting self-efficacy, and child ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) symptoms. After adjusting for child-specific cognitive errors, parent-specific errors were related to parent-rated parent depressive symptoms, and after adjustment for parent-specific cognitive errors, child-specific cognitive errors were related to parent-rated child ADHD and ODD symptoms. A two-factor structure for the PCEQ scores from this sample was found with evidence of reliability and validity of factors, showing promise for measuring sources of parental attributions regarding child problems.

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