Description

The Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS-19) is a psychometric tool designed to assess maternal attachment during the postnatal period. The scale consists of 19 items that examine three key dimensions of maternal attachment: the enjoyment of interaction with the infant, the perceived quality of the bond with the infant, and the distress or anxiety associated with infant care. Mothers are asked to rate their agreement with each item using a Likert scale ranging from “Never” to “Always.” This tool aids in understanding the emotional relationship that develops between a mother and her child during the first few months after birth.

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis of the MPAS-19 involves evaluating scores for each of the three attachment dimensions and deriving an overall attachment score. These data are used to assess the quality of the mother-infant bond and to evaluate the mother’s psychological adjustment after childbirth. The MPAS-19 is valuable both in research and clinical practice, allowing for the identification of issues in maternal attachment and guiding appropriate interventions.

Objective

The objective of the MPAS-19 is to provide a reliable and valid tool for assessing maternal attachment during the postnatal period. This tool enables researchers and health professionals to better understand the emotional bond between mother and infant and to identify any concerns that may require further investigation or support.

Calibration

Calibration of the MPAS-19 is conducted using data from representative samples of mothers to ensure the scale’s validity and reliability. This process includes evaluating the internal consistency of the items, analyzing the tool’s reliability, and comparing the results with other methods of measuring maternal attachment.

Bibliography

Condon, J. T., & Corkindale, C. J. (1998). The assessment of parent-to-infant attachment: Development of a self-report questionnaire instrument. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 16(1), 57-76.

Condon, J. T., & Corkindale, C. J. (1997). The correlates of antenatal attachment in pregnant women. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 70(4), 359-372.

Mercer, R. T., & Ferketich, S. L. (1995). Predictors of parental attachment during early parenthood. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 21(1), 21-29.

Vreeswijk, C. M., Maas, A. J. B. M., Rijk, C. H. A. M., Braeken, J., & van Bakel, H. J. A. (2014). Stability of fathers’ representations of their infants during the transition to parenthood. Attachment & Human Development, 16(3), 292-306.

Brockington, I. F., Fraser, C., & Wilson, D. (2006). The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire: A validation. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 9(5), 233-242.