Propiedades Psicométricas de la Escala Parental (PS) en Adultos Referentes de Lactantes, Niños y Niñas Participantes de Programas de Cuidado Alternativo de la Región del Biobío

The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Parenting Scale in a sample of adult caregivers responsible for children participating in Alternative Care Programs in the Biobío Region, Chile. A non-experimental, cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, utilizing the Parenting Scale, which was adapted and validated for the Chilean context within the framework of a feasibility study of the Triple P program in a remote format. Exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency tests confirmed the scale's effectiveness in capturing critical dimensions of parental behavior, demonstrating high internal consistency and contextual adequacy. The results suggest a significant reconfiguration of the Parenting Scale, recommending its composition by two main factors: Laxity and Overreaction, integrating the "Explanation" items under the Overreaction factor. This adjustment enhances the scale's ability to reflect the complex disciplinary dynamics in protective care contexts and aligns it more closely with the disciplinary practices and cultural perceptions prevalent in Chilean society. The study contributes to the understanding and improvement of intervention strategies in alternative care contexts, promoting the use of culturally relevant and diagnostically accurate tools, which are essential for the effective development of child protection policies.