Maternal identity measurement based on the experiences of mothers with infants: a methodological study.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate a tool to measure maternal identity in mothers caring for infants.

Methods: This methodological study involved two stages: tool development and evaluation. A preliminary 35-item tool was created and refined to 22 items and administered to 300 mothers with infants. Data were collected between May and June 2024. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, exploratory factor analysis (using Varimax rotation), and confirmatory factor analysis (via AMOS 21.0) were performed. Convergent validity was evaluated using an adapted version of the Maternal Confidence Questionnaire. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and split-half reliability (Guttman split) were also assessed.

Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified four sub-factors consisting of 17 items: "warmth type" (seven items), "best effort type" (five items), "indifference type" (three items), and "preparation type" (two items). The content validity index was .86, and construct validity accounted for 59.5% of the variance. Factor loadings ranged from 0.57 to 0.80. Convergent validity was confirmed (r=.70, p<.001). Internal consistency was high, with Cronbach's α values between .85 and .90 and split-half reliability coefficients between .82 and .91. The final tool, named the Maternal Identity Measurement for Mothers with Infants, comprises 17 items rated on a 5-point scale (1-5), with higher scores (possible range, 17-85) indicating a stronger maternal identity.

Conclusion: The developed tool demonstrated strong reliability and validity for assessing maternal identity in mothers of infants. It offers a structured approach for evaluating maternal identity in the context of infant care and has practical implications for maternal health research and interventions.