Intensive mothering ideology in France: A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to adapt the intensive mothering ideology concept in a French sample and to get an assessment tool.

Method: First, the Intensive Parenting Attitudes Questionnaire (IPAQ), a U.S. scale comprising 25 items, was translated and submitted online to French mothers and mothers-to-be (n=250). Structural validity was tested through confirmatory factor analysis with poor results. Secondly, to increase the cultural validity of a new tool, new items were derived from French women speech. French mothers and mothers-to-be (n=22) were asked about their views regarding motherhood and childcare (semi-structured interviews). A thematic content analysis was performed with good inter-judge agreement (0.53-0.86) and 27 items were created. Finally, the total set of 52 items was submitted online to French mothers and mothers-to-be (n=474). The structure was tested through exploratory factor analysis.

Results: A new tool called the Measure of Intensive Mothering Ideology (MIMI) was obtained. This 21 items scale with 6 dimensions (Essentialism, Consuming Fulfillment, Child-centrism, Challenge, Sacrifice and Stimulation) explains 59.75% of variance. Internal consistencies were satisfactory (0.61-0.83) and most dimensions were positively and moderately correlated (0.17-0.38).

Conclusion: The MIMI is the first French-language scale assessing IMI and offers interesting research avenues notably regarding perinatal parental adaptation.

Keywords: Analyse factorielle; Entretien semi-directif; Factor analysis; Maternité; Motherhood; Role; Rôle; Semi-structured interview; Validation.