Description of the Questionnaire

The Parent–Adolescent Communication Scale consists of 20 statements that examine the way communication occurs between parent and adolescent. There are two versions: one for the parent and one for the adolescent, with the same questions formulated according to each role. The questions assess both positive and problematic aspects of communication. Answers are given on a five-point Likert scale, where 1 corresponds to “Strongly Disagree” and 5 to “Strongly Agree.”

Data Analysis and Use

The instrument consists of two subscales. The first subscale is Positive Aspects of Communication and includes items 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, and 17. The second subscale is Problems in Communication and includes items 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, and 20. The score for each subscale is calculated by summing the answers. For the Problems in Communication subscale, scores are reversed before calculation so they can be compared with the positive aspects. Either separate scores can be calculated for each subscale, or a total communication score can be computed, summing all items after reversal. The higher the score, the more positive the overall quality of communication.

Aim

The aim of the questionnaire is to assess the quality of communication between parents and adolescents, the presence of positive characteristics such as trust, openness, and understanding, as well as the presence of problems such as distrust, fear of expression, criticism, and silent treatment. It is used in research programs, interventions for children and adolescents, and in clinical contexts for understanding family dynamics.

Scoring

The questions are answered on a five-point Likert scale from 1 to 5. The items of the Problems subscale are reversed before calculation so that a correct overall assessment can be obtained. The reliability of the instrument is high, with internal consistency indices (Cronbach’s alpha) ranging from 0.78 to 0.92.

References

Barnes, H. L., & Olson, D. H. (1982). Parent–Adolescent Communication Scales. In D. H. Olson et al. (Eds.), Family Inventories (pp. 33–48). St. Paul: Family Social Science, University of Minnesota.
Olson, D. H., et al. (2005). Assessing Outcomes in Child and Youth Programs: A Practical Handbook. University of Wisconsin–Extension.