The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale: Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version

Objectives: The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting (IM-P) scale is a self-report questionnaire validated and adapted in several countries. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Italian version (IM-P-IT) across three different samples of Italian parents of preschool-aged children. Method: In Study 1, 867 parents completed the IM-P-IT. In Studies 2 and 3, 561 and 928 parents filled out the IM-P-IT and self-reported questionnaires examining parental behaviors and stress. Result: The exploratory factor analysis in Study 1 identified a 22-item version of the IM-P-IT with a five-factor structure: (1) Listening with Full Attention, (2) Self-Regulation in the Parenting Relationship, (3) Emotional Awareness and Compassion for the Child, (4) Emotional Non-Reactivity in Parenting, and (5) Non-Judgmental Acceptance in Parenting. The five-factor model was confirmed in Study 2 (CFI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.05) and Study 3 (CFI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.06; SRMR = 0.06) through confirmatory factor analysis. Good internal consistency was observed (Study 1, alpha = 0.88; Study 2, alpha = 0.89; Study 3, alpha = 0.89). In Studies 2 and 3, convergent validity was demonstrated, as interpersonal mindfulness in parenting positively correlated with positive parenting behaviors (e.g., sensitivity, consistency, engagement in activities) and negatively correlated with negative parenting behaviors (e.g., over-reactivity) and parenting stress. Conclusions: The three validation studies confirmed the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting scale, providing a valuable tool for assessing mindful parenting in Italy for research and clinical purposes.