Measuring identification with the mothering role

Three summated rating scales entitled Feelings of Motherliness (FOM), Conception of the Fetus as a Person (CFP), and Appropriateness of Fantasies about the Baby-to be (AFB) were constructed. During instrument development, data were collected from a sample of 169 women selected using the criteria of gravidity, ethnicity, and experience. Thirty-four of these women were used to test the final versions of the scales. Coefficient alphas for FOM, CFP, and AFB were.87, .89, and .67, respectively. Coefficient alphas for the subscales ranged from .88 to 1.0. Content validity was built into the scales. The data supported the concept validity of FOM and CFP, but not AFB. Three subscales of the Parental Attitude Research Instrument were used as criterion measures; criterion validity was not established. Construct validity was assessed using convergent and discriminant measures. Data provided support for convergent validity, but not for discriminant validity. Further modification and testing of the scales are needed.