Validation of the Maternal Identity Scale for Primiparous Thai Teenage Mothers

Abstract Purpose Maternal Role Attainment Scale Form B (MRAS-Form B) was developed based on Mercer’s theory and widely used to assess maternal role attainment among Thai mothers in hospitals. To assess the maternal identity among primiparous adolescent mothers in communities, MRAS-Form B remains undistinguishable due to differences in both mothers’ ages and circumstances, and was modified to the Maternal Identity Scale (MIS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the MIS. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 primiparous Thai teenagers residing with their infants aged 4-12 months. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to confirm the construct validity undertaken using Mplus Software. Results The overall model provided fit well to the empirical data (χ 2 /df = 2.23, CFI = .93, TLI = .92, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .05). About 33-66% of the variance among MIS items could be explained by three constructs of maternal identity. Convergent validity showed item loadings ranging from .58 to .81; in addition, AVE and composite reliability ranged from .44 - .54 and .82 to .92, respectively. Discriminant validity, correlations between constructs were ranging from .74 - .87. The MIS exhibited very good item discrimination values (.52≤ CITC ≤.70) and an excellent reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = .95). Conclusion Appropriately for community health nursing, the MIS was a valid and reliable tool, assessing maternal identity among primiparous teenage mothers one year after delivery.