MATERNAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING: A SCALE DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOMETRIC
TESTING STUDY
Abstract
Objective: This study was carried out to develop an instrument
to measure the emotional well-being of mothers in line with the
Deck-Chair theory of Jean Ball. Design: Scale development and
psychometric testing study. Setting: Turkey Population
or Sample: A total of 398 postpartum women were included.
Methods: MEWBS was administered to postpartum women being
prepared for discharge (n=398). Factor analyses were carried out to
determine the construct validity of the scale. Cronbach’s alpha
coefficient was used to assess the reliability of the scale.
Main Outcome Measures: MEWBS is a valid and reliable scale.
Results: KMO value for EFA was found to be 0.806. As a result
of the factor analysis that was carried out with the varimax orthogonal
rotation technique, three factors explaining 51.825% of the total
variance in the measured characteristic (Healthcare and Education,
Social Support, and Mother’s Personality and Experiences) were
identified. The internal consistency coefficient of the scale revealed
that it was highly reliable (Cronbach’s alpha=0.860). It was determined
that the scale did not have response bias (Hotelling’s T
2=397.260, p=0.000), and its factors were additive
(non-additivity: 0.000). Conclusion: The validity and
reliability test results of MEWBS demonstrated that it is a valid and
reliable measurement instrument to assess the emotional well-being of
postpartum mothers being prepared for discharge. MEWBS can guide
healthcare professionals in identifying the emotional well-being of
mothers in line with Jean Ball’s deck-chair theory and providing care
accordingly. Therefore, healthcare professionals are advised to use
MEWBS in their routine practices and assessments of mothers.