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Parents' perception of uncertainty concerning their hospitalized child
Insights
The Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale (PPUS) measures parental responses to child illness. This new scale shows adequate reliability and partial validity, though further testing is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric nursing
- Psychometrics
- Health psychology
Background:
- Parental uncertainty significantly impacts responses to a child's illness and hospitalization.
- Existing scales may not fully capture the multifaceted nature of parental uncertainty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale (PPUS).
- To assess the reliability and validity of the PPUS in measuring parental uncertainty.
Main Methods:
- Modification of an existing uncertainty scale into a 31-item Likert-format scale.
- Factor analysis to identify dimensions of uncertainty.
- Reliability testing using coefficient alphas and thetas.
- Validity testing against theoretically relevant external variables.
Main Results:
- The PPUS consists of four factors aligning with theoretical predictions of uncertainty dimensions.
- Initial reliability testing indicated adequate coefficient alphas and thetas.
- Validity testing provided partial support for theoretical predictions.
- Factor II of the scale requires further investigation regarding its adequacy.
Conclusions:
- The PPUS is a promising new scale for measuring parental uncertainty during a child's illness.
- The scale demonstrates adequate initial reliability and partial validity.
- Further psychometric evaluation, particularly for Factor II, is recommended.
Abstract:
The Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale (PPUS) was developed to measure a perceptual variable believed to influence parents' response to their child's illness and hospitalization. This 31-item Likert-format scale was modified from the original form of the uncertainty scale. The PPUS was composed of four factors measuring the four dimensions of uncertainty consistent with theoretical predictions. Initial testing for reliability found the coefficient alphas and thetas to be adequate for a new scale. Validity testing with theoretically relevant external variables was partially supportive of predictions. Questions remain concerning the adequacy of Factor II. Further testing of the scale is indicated.