Abstract
Objective: This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Attachment–Caregiving Balance Scale which measures mothers' “attachment” and “caregiving” toward their children.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 630 mothers who had children aged 1 month old, 6–11 months old, and/or 18 months old. The survey was conducted to assess the reliability and validity of the Scale using six factors (the factors of “adaptability,” “sensitivity,” and “intimacy” for each of the “attachment” and “caregiving” categories) and other external indices.
Results: Cronbach's α was 0.882, and exploratory factor analysis found a factor structure quite similar to what was expected. The results of confirmatory factor analysis were a goodness of fit index value of 0.842, an adjusted goodness of fit index value of 0.812, and a root mean square error of approximation value of 0.074. Significant differences were found by known groups analysis, and there was also a significant correlation, albeit below 0.7, with the external indices.
Conclusion: While criterion-related validity should be further examined, reliability and construct-related validity were supported, indicating that the scale can be used to measure the development of mothers as caregivers.
