Further results on the reliability of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) in an Italian sample of schizophrenic patients and their parents.

The reliability of the Italian version of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) was assessed in a group of 26 schizophrenic patients and their parents. In both groups, internal consistency indices were satisfactory and mean PBI scores at test and retest were stable. The test-retest reliability coefficients for the PBI scales of parents ranged from .65 to .67, those of the patients from .32 (paternal-protection score) to .67 (maternal-care score). The less satisfactory test-retest reliability of patients' paternal protection score was due to minor intra-category rather than inter-category variations in their ratings. This suggests difficulties with a four-point rating scale, which might depend partly on the generally poor schooling of the sample, but it may also reflect uncertainty of schizophrenic patients concerning fathers' controlling behavior. Further studies should pay attention to this factor. Patients' PBI mean scores are compatible with an affection-less control rearing style, while those of their parents, characterized by similar poor care but less control, are consistent with a pattern of weak parental bonding.