The prenatal caregiving expectations questionnaire‐revised version: Factor structure, internal consistency, and initial construct validity

Abstract

An efficient, multidimensional instrument is needed to screen non‐optimal prenatal parental representations predictive of postnatal parenting behavior and child attachment. The present work aimed to revise and validate the Prenatal Caregiving Expectations Questionnaire—Revised (PCEQ‐R). Survey data from two independent samples of pregnant, primarily Danish, women (N = 300/322) were collected to 1) test the factor structure and select items for a 20‐item version, and 2) confirm the factor structure, examine internal consistency, and establish initial construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three‐factor model of helpless‐dysregulated, anxious‐hyperactivated, and avoidant‐deactivated caregiving representations. Internal consistency was acceptable (α > .73). Construct validity analyses showed that higher helpless‐dysregulated caregiving was associated with low maternal antenatal attachment quality (rs = −.36) and intensity (rs = −.11), increased risk of perinatal depression (rs = .37), and trait anxiety (rs = .37). Higher anxious‐hyperactivated caregiving was associated with better maternal antenatal attachment quality (rs = .20) and higher intensity (rs = .26), while avoidant‐deactivated caregiving was not associated with maternal antenatal attachment. These findings support the validity and multidimensional structure of the measure. The homogenous nature of the sample limits generalizability of results. Future studies should examine predictive validity of the PCEQ‐R and include clinical samples.