Life participation for parents: a tool for family-centered occupational therapy.

Source

Patricia E. Fingerhut, PhD, OTR, is Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1142; pefinger@utmb.edu.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study describes the continued development of the Life Participation for Parents (LPP), a measurement tool to facilitate family-centered pediatric practice.

METHOD. LPP questionnaires were completed by 162 parents of children with special needs receiving intervention at 15 pediatric private practice clinics. Results were analyzed to establish instrument reliability and validity.

RESULTS. Good internal consistency (α = .90) and test-retest reliability (r = .89) were established. Construct validity was examined through assessment of internal structure and comparison of the instrument to related variables. A principal components analysis resulted in a two-factor model accounting for 43.81% of the variance. As hypothesized, the LPP correlated only moderately with the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (r = .54). The variables of child's diagnoses, age, and time in therapy did not predict parental responses.

CONCLUSION. The LPP is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring satisfaction with parental participation in life occupations.

TimAllenMDJD

Wednesday, January 9, 2013