Validity of the Measure of Intensive Mothering Ideology (MIMI)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the validity of the Measure of Intensive Mothering Ideology (MIMI), a French scale assessing beliefs about mothering and childcare.

Method: The MIMI was submitted online to Mothers/mothers-to-be (n=249) and Childless women (n=231). To test structural validity, confirmatory factor analyses were conducted in both groups. Then, to test known-groups validity, means comparisons were conducted according to parity (mothers/mothers-to-be and childless women) and employment status (full-time, part-time and housewives). It was also hypothesized that MIMI scores would be negatively correlated with education.

Results: Model fit was satisfactory for Mothers/mothers-to-be (X2/df=2.52, AGFI=.957, NFI=.937 RMR=.087) and, to a lesser extent, for Childless women (X2/df=3.31, AGFI=.948, NFI=.907, RMR=.104). In both groups, most dimensions were moderately correlated (.22-.70). As hypothesized, Mothers/mothers-to-be and Housewives had higher score than Childless women and Employed women. MIMI scores were also negatively and moderately correlated with education.

Conclusion: The MIMI shows good structural validity and known-groups validity. This scale offers interesting research avenues notably regarding perinatal parental adaptation.

Keywords: Développent d’échelle; Idéologie du maternage intensif; Intensive Mothering Ideology; Maternité; Motherhood; Scale Development; Validity; Validité.