The Swedish Brief Coparenting Relationship Scale: Psychometrics and Concurrent Validity Among Primiparous and Multiparous Fathers

Objective This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the Swedish translation of the Brief Coparenting Relationship Scale (B-CRS) among Swedish fathers. Background The transition to parenthood is a challenging period for many parents, but high-quality coparenting can promote parental mental health, self-efficacy, positive parenting skills, and children's healthy development. However, no study has validated a measure of coparenting for Swedish parents. In addition, it is unknown whether primiparous and multiparous fathers' coparenting differs. Method For this pilot study, 170 fathers of infants participated in an online survey and completed a follow-up survey 6 months later. Results t-Tests comparing primiparous and multiparous fathers showed no significant differences, and, therefore, these participants were grouped together for subsequent analyses. This reinforces that the coparenting relationship, is consistent and thus reflects its importance for couples to develop high-quality coparenting with their first child. Consistent with previous research from other countries, this study demonstrates good internal consistency with the B-CRS. Six subscales were highly correlated with the overall B-CRS score: Coparenting Agreement, Endorsement of Partner's Parenting, Coparenting Closeness, Coparenting Support, Coparenting Undermining, and Exposure to Conflict. Better coparenting quality, as measured by the B-CRS, was linked to lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of father-infant bonding. Conclusions These results support the use of the B-CRS in Sweden as a reliable and valid measure of coparenting. Implications Coparenting should be given greater consideration in future studies of new parent experiences and adjustment in Sweden.

Automated summary

This study aimed to validate the Brief Coparenting Relationship Scale (B-CRS) among Swedish fathers and found good internal consistency. Results showed that better coparenting quality was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of father-infant bonding. Future studies on new parent experiences and adjustment in Sweden should consider including coparenting as an important factor.