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Perceived Parental Rearing in Paediatric Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Examining the Factor Structure of the EMBU Child and Parent Versions and Associations with OCD Symptoms

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Abstract

Parental rearing behaviours characterised by high levels of rejection and overprotection have been implicated in the development and maintenance of child psychopathology, including paediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The Egna Minnen Beträffande Uppfostran (EMBU) is a commonly used measure of perceived parental rearing. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the factor structure of the EMBU child and parent versions were examined in a sample of children and youth with OCD (n = 176), and their mothers (n = 162). Associations between rearing and clinical correlates of OCD were explored. For parents, a 4-factor model provided the best fit. For children, a higher order model was the best fit. Greater parent and child perceived negative rearing behaviours and lower perceived positive behaviours were associated with greater OCD severity, comorbid symptoms and impairment. The EMBU has a conceptually meaningful factor structure and provides a useful measure for assessing perceived rearing behaviours within paediatric OCD.

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Funding

Data comprised in this study was partially supported by funding from the NHMRC Australia, FMFC Australia, and the Australian Postgraduate Award. The funding bodies had no role in the study design or execution, nor were they involved in the submission process.

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  1. School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia

    Sharna L. Mathieu, Elizabeth G. Conlon, Allison M. Waters & Lara J. Farrell

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  1. Sharna L. Mathieu
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Mathieu, S.L., Conlon, E.G., Waters, A.M. et al. Perceived Parental Rearing in Paediatric Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Examining the Factor Structure of the EMBU Child and Parent Versions and Associations with OCD Symptoms. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 51, 956–968 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-020-00979-6

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