Aims: Interventions
based on positive psychological constructs, such as mindfulness and gratitude,
have demonstrated the potential to improve and maintain well-being. The ability
to assess levels of these constructs in pregnant women has yet to be
investigated however. The primary aim of this study was to develop a new pregnancy
specific scale of gratitude, the Gratitude during Pregnancy Scale (GDP), in a
sample of pregnant women. The second aim was to evaluate the reliability of the
Mindfulness Awareness Attention Scale (MAAS) as a measure of mindfulness during
pregnancy.
Methods: 375
pregnant women completed an online questionnaire assessing levels of
mindfulness and gratitude. The GDP was prepared based on factor analysis, and
reliability and validity were confirmed. Responses were also divided based on
gestational period and parity, this data was then analysed using factor
analysis. Reliability and validity of the MAAS were also evaluated.
Results: The
resultant GDP scale consisted of a four-factor structure with 18 items. These
items demonstrated a good fit across all subgroups divided according to
gestational period and parity. The reliability coefficients of the global and
subgroups were .85 or more. Convergent
validity was confirmed. The MAAS demonstrated a good reliability coefficient of
.88.
Conclusion:
This is the first study to develop a context specific gratitude scale for use
during pregnancy and to evaluate the MAAS in the prenatal period. The findings
indicate the usefulness of both the GDP and MAAS to evaluate gratitude and
mindfulness respectively during pregnancy.