Three-dimensional psychological control scale was invariant across informants and time

What the study found: The study found that the Chinese Psychological Control Scale (CPPCS), which measures three dimensions of parental psychological control, showed measurement invariance across fathers, mothers, and adolescents, and over time.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that the validated CPPCS offers a comprehensive and differentiated way to assess parental psychological control in Chinese settings using multi-informant and longitudinal designs.
What the researchers tested: The researchers examined measurement invariance of an indigenous Chinese Psychological Control Scale across informants and across time. They collected data from more than 1,400 Grade 7 to 10 adolescents and their parents in two waves spaced 6 months apart.
What worked and what didn't: The three-dimensional structure of the CPPCS was invariant among fathers, mothers, and adolescents, and remained invariant over time. The analyses also found different predictive effects of the individual psychological control dimensions on adolescent developmental outcomes, and differences between adolescent and parent reports.
What to keep in mind: The abstract does not describe the specific adolescent developmental outcomes or provide additional limitations beyond the scope of the sample and design.

Key points

• The CPPCS measures three dimensions: relational induction, social comparison shame, and harsh psychological control.
• The scale showed measurement invariance across fathers, mothers, and adolescents.
• The scale also remained invariant over a 6-month interval.
• Different psychological control dimensions had different predictive effects on adolescent developmental outcomes.
• Adolescent reports and parent reports differed.