Psychometric Properties of Maternal Behavior Q-Sort

The purpose of this study was investigating the psychometric properties of the mini Maternal Behavior Q-sort in an Iranian sample. For this, 37 mother- child (2-5 years old) dyads were selected, from some kindergardens in Tehran, by in available sampling and the interaction between them in 20 min. play sessions were observed. Then, 3 independent observers scored the recorded interactions. For studying the validity of this tool, the Maternal Caregiving Quality Scale and the Achenbach Behavioral Checklist (CBCL, 1/5- 5 aged) were used. Result showed that the mini version of Maternal Behavior Q-sort have an appreciated internal consistency (α=. 95-.96) and also there is good correspondence between observers. In addition, the positive significant correlation between maternal sensitivity with the sensitivity score of the original version and maternal caregiving quality, indicated the correspondence and construct validity of the tool, and negative correlation with internalizing and externalizing syndroms, indicated predictive validity. Test –retest result showed good stability of scores during 6 months. Finally, the result showed the mini version of Maternal Behavior Qsort is a useful measure for researchers and child clinical experts.