Developing and Analyzing the Reliability and Validity of a Primigravida-Mother Relationship Scale

Abstract

This study focused on developing a Primigravida-Mother Relationship Scale (PMRS) in order to evaluate primigravidas' relationship with their mothers during the process of becoming mothers. Then the scale was analyzed for reliability and validity. Based on the model in our previous study, a temporary scale consisting of 93 items was prepared, and a survey was conducted among 800 primigravidas to evaluate its reliability and validity. As a result of factor analysis, 7 subscales (Support by the Mother, Closeness to the Mother, Affirmative Feeling toward the Mother, Exploration of the Mother Image Model via the Mother, Preparations for Pregnancy, Delivery and Childcare using the Mother as a Model, Independence from the Mother, and Adaptation to the Pregnancy Period) consisting of 29 items were extracted. The reliability of the subscales was confirmed in terms of internal consistency (alpha=0.61 to 0.86) and test-retest reliability was evaluated by a retest after 2 weeks (r=0.78 to 0.90). The concurrent validity was confirmed by significant correlations between the all 7 subscales and the Mother-Daughter Relationship Scale, and 6 subscales except 'Independence from the Mother' and the Internal Working Model Scale. In addition, the construct validity was confirmed by significant differences of subscale scores between primigravidas and multigravidas, and between Japanese and Brazilians. Based on the above findings and analyses, the reliability and validity of PMRS were confirmed, and it is available for quantitative evaluation of the unique characteristics of the relationship between Japanese primigravidas and their mothers.