Abstract

Parents often rely on smartphones in daily life. While smartphones offer benefits, they also present challenges, such as potential distraction and delayed responsiveness. It is also possible that problematic smartphone habits may develop, such as repeated checking or difficulty controlling use. Furthermore, self-efficacy around regulating one’s phone use is tied to the ability to change, meaning self-efficacy could be a key mechanism impacting the effectiveness of interventions regarding problematic phone use. Thus, we developed and explored the validity of the Parent Phone Use Regulation Efficacy Scale (P-PURE) to assess parents’ self-efficacy in managing phone use around their children. We developed a pool of 45 items, which experts then rated for content relevance and clarity. We then included 26 items with high relevance and clarity in a survey study with 451 parents. Exploratory factor analyses revealed 2 strongly correlated (r = 0.81) elements of phone use regulation efficacy best modeled as components of a unidimensional scale: (1) active choice (ability to use intentionally) and (2) stopping use (ability to stop use). Using item response theory (IRT) analyses, we selected the 12 items that provided the most information and represented the range of responses; 8- and 6-item short forms were also developed. Measurement invariance was determined across child age and parent sex. Construct reliability was good (ω > 0.90). In terms of validity, while controlling for depression, social desirability, and demographics, bivariate correlations revealed the expected associations, namely, those who felt more efficacious in managing phone use (higher P-PURE scores) reported higher levels of mindfulness, self-regulation, and internal locus of control, while reporting lower impulsivity. Furthermore, greater problematic phone use habits (e.g., smartphone addiction) were associated with lower phone use regulation efficacy. The scale may hold value for future studies and interventions—allowing for targeted interventions to support parents in managing their phone use.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-22-2026

First Page

2198389

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