(PSI-4) Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition

Benefits: Quickly screens for stress in the parent-child relationship, identifying dysfunctional parenting and child adjustment problems

Admin Time: 20 minutes; 10-15 for Short Form

Format: Self-report completed by parents

Scores: Raw scores, percentiles, and T-scores for Total Stress Scale and Life Stress Scale; for Short Form, scores for Total Stress Scale only

Norms: Based on a sample of more than 1,000 parents

Qualifications: Level C required

The PSI-4 permits early identification of parents whose emotional and behavioral problems may affect their children’s well-being. This revision offers updated and more clearly worded items, evidence of international validity, and all-new, expanded norms. Written at a fifth-grade reading level, the PSI-4 consists of 120 items focusing on child and parent characteristics, as well as situational and demographical factors that may cause stress within the family.

Child Characteristics

Adaptability
Acceptability
Demandingness
Mood
Distractibility/Hyperactivity
Reinforcement of Parent

Parent Characteristics

Depression
Isolation
Attachment
Role Restriction
Competence
Spouse/Parenting-Partner Relationship
Health

The Child and Parent scales are combined to form the Total Stress Scale. In addition, a Life Stress Scale provides information about outside stress factors. A Short Form (PSI-4-SF), composed of 36 items from the full inventory, serves as a quick screener.

The PSI-4 is useful in programs aimed at early identification and prevention of family problems. It is also helpful in planning intervention and treatment, assessing child abuse, and completing forensic evaluations for child custody.