Validation of a quantitative measure for meaning in parenthood among Chinese mothers in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to validate the Meaning in Parenthood Questionnaire (MPQ) among Chinese mothers in Hong Kong. Based on the data collected from 854 Chinese mothers, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to examine the factor structure of the scale. The internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the scale were also examined. EFA yielded a twofold factor structure (i.e. presence of meaning and search for meaning in parenthood) with ten items, which was supported by the CFA and explained 62.1% of the total variance. The Cronbach’s alpha indicates a satisfactory reliability of MPQ-Presence and MPQ-Search subscales (i.e. .788 and .883, respectively). The construct validity of both MPQ-Presence and MPQ-Search subscales were established by their significant correlations with parental efficacy and life satisfaction. The MPQ as a reliable and valid scale can enable researchers and practitioners to measure meaning in parenthood.