Validation and reliability process of the preliminary form of the Maternal Burnout Scale in Turkish Mothers (T-MBS)

Abstract

Objective: Maternal burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that arises when the stress associated with motherhood surpasses coping resources. This novel and distinct clinical phenomenon differs from anxiety and depression. The present study aimed to adapt the Maternal Burnout Scale (MBS) for Turkish mothers and examine its validity and reliability. Method: This methodological study involved 350 mothers. The World Health Organization (WHO) back translation method, also known as reverse translation, was employed for the translation process. Confirmatory factor analysis and parallel scale validity were used to assess the scale’s validity. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the test-retest method. Correlation tests were employed for comparisons. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis validated the original scale’s three-factor structure, consisting of 15 items ( χ 2 /SD: 3,180). The prevalence of maternal burnout in this study was 39.4%. Working mothers exhibited significantly higher maternal burnout levels compared to non-working mothers, while a strong positive correlation was observed between parental stress levels and maternal burnout levels. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Maternal Burnout Scale (T-MBS) was determined to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing maternal burnout. The prevalence of maternal burnout in the Turkish population exceeded that of previous studies. For the prevention and management of maternal burnout, improving the knowledge and support of health professionals will be an important step to protect women’s and family health. It is expected that future studies with this scale will carry the concept of “mother burnout” into legal processes and regulations.