Maternal Sensitivity and Attachment Security in Thailand: Cross-Cultural Validation of Western Measures

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of Thai versions of the Maternal Behavior Q-Sort (MBQS), Caldwell's HOME, and the Attachment Q-set (AQS). A sample of 110 Thai mother-infant dyads were studied. The Content Validity Index (CVIs) of the Thai MBQS, HOME and AQS were between 91% and 99%. Internal consistency of the HOME was .71. Interobserver reliability of the MBQS, HOME, and AQS were .95, .87, and .87, respectively. Convergent validity was supported by finding a positive correlation between the MBQS and the HOME (r = .29, p < .001). A positive correlation of .45 (p < .001) between the scores of the MBQS and the AQS indicated concurrent validity of these scales. Study findings indicate the Thai MBQS, HOME, and AQS are reliable and valid in this Thai sample and suggest that the Thai versions reflect concepts similar to those in the original English versions.