Construct validity of the Parent–Child Sleep Interactions Scale (PSIS): associations with parenting, family stress, and maternal and child psychopathology

• We examined the construct validity of the PSIS.
• Associations with parenting and measures of child and family functioning were also examined.
• Meaningful associations were found and construct validity was demonstrated.
• PSIS is a valid measure assessing sleep behaviors and interactions in preschoolers.

Study objectivesUsing a multi-method design, this study examined the construct validity of the Parent–Child Sleep Interactions Scale (PSIS; Alfano et al., 2013), which measures sleep-related parenting behaviors and interactions that contribute to preschoolers’ sleep problems.MethodsParticipants included a community sample of 155 preschoolers (ages 3–5 years; 51.6% female). Primary caregivers completed the PSIS. Parenting styles and behaviors were assessed with laboratory observations and parent reports. Parent and child psychopathology and family life stress were assessed with clinical interviews and parent reports.ResultsBivariate correlations revealed significant associations between the PSIS and a number of variables, including lower observed parental support and quality of instruction; higher observed parental intrusiveness; authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles; current maternal depressive and/or anxiety disorders and depressive symptomatology; increased stressful life events; lower marital satisfaction; and higher child depressive, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms. The patterns of association varied based on the specific PSIS scale.ConclusionsThe PSIS demonstrates meaningful associations with parenting, maternal psychopathology, family stress, and child psychopathology and functioning. Findings suggest that the PSIS is a valid measure for assessing sleep-related parent/child behaviors and interactions among preschoolers, suited to real-world settings.