The Structure of Challenging Parenting Behavior in Norwegian Parents to Children in Middle Childhood (7–10 years)

Challenging parenting behavior (CPB), which emphasizes playful encouragement to push the child’s limits and controlled exposure to risk, represents a novel approach to parenting. This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Challenging Parenting Behavior Questionnaire 7-12 (CPBQ7-12) in a Norwegian sample, examining relations to parents’ sex and age. Participants were recruited from four elementary schools in Norway through a convenience strategy. The CPBQ7-12 assesses parents’ encouragement of physical and socio-emotional challenges and modeling behavior. We collected and analyzed responses from 344 parents (114 fathers and 230 mothers) of 7 to 10-year-olds. Regression analyses were used to investigate the relation between the total CPB score and the parents’ age and sex. To evaluate the internal consistency and factor structure of the previously proposed theoretical model, Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied. Last, multiple-group CFA invariance evaluation was used to examine the influence of parent sex and age on the model’s factor structures. The results showed that the CPBQ7-12 serves as a reliable tool for assessing CPB in a Norwegian context, with some adjustments. Discrepancies in responses related to respondents’ age and between mothers and fathers suggest actual differences in self-reported CPB. Our model worked differently depending on both the parent’s sex and age, and these factors should be considered when using the CPBQ7-12. Further research should examine the cultural aspects of CPB and its influence on various child outcomes.