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Parent Support Scale
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About Parent Support Scale
Scale Name
Parent Support Scale
Author Details
Susan Harter (1985)
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Parent Support Scale is a subscale of the Social Support Scale for Children developed by Susan Harter. It assesses the extent to which children perceive their parents as supportive, empathetic, and understanding of their feelings. This scale also evaluates the degree to which parents treat their children in ways that make them feel valued and important.
Designed for children aged 8–13 (Grades 3–8), the tool offers an insightful measurement of the child’s perception of parental support, an essential factor influencing emotional and psychological development. High scores on this scale indicate a stronger sense of parental support as experienced by the child.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Target Population:
- Ages 8–13 (Grades 3–8).
- Format: Self-report questionnaire.
- Instructions:
- Explain the purpose of the scale and reassure the child that their responses will remain confidential.
Demonstrate the response options using the provided example to ensure clarity. - Inform the child that for each question, they should select only one answer that best reflects their feelings.
Highlight the two response columns with choices coded as follows:- Really True for Me = 1
- Sort of True for Me = 2
- Sort of True for Me = 3
- Really True for Me = 4
- Mention that items 3, 4, and 5 are reverse coded.
- Explain the purpose of the scale and reassure the child that their responses will remain confidential.
- Scoring Procedures
- Responses are recorded and reverse coding is applied to items 3, 4, and 5.
- The total score is obtained by summing all item scores.
- Higher scores indicate greater perceived parent support
Reliability and Validity
- Reliability: Reported alpha coefficient of 0.84, indicating high internal consistency.
- Validity: Established through its inclusion in the Social Support Scale for Children and its consistent use in developmental research.
Available Versions
06-Items
Reference
Harter, S. (1985). Social Support Scale for Children.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does the Parent Support Scale measure?
It measures the perceived supportiveness of parents, including their understanding, empathy, and treatment of their child.
Q2: What age group is this scale designed for?
The scale is intended for children aged 8–13 (Grades 3–8).
Q3: How is the Parent Support Scale scored?
Responses are coded on a 4-point scale, with items 3, 4, and 5 reverse coded. The total score reflects the level of perceived parent support.
Q4: Is permission needed to use this scale?
No, permission is not required; however, the author requests that it not be used for profit.
Q5: How should the scale be administered?
The scale should be carefully explained to the child, emphasizing that only one answer should be selected for each question. Examples can be provided for clarity.
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