Measuring postnatal demoralisation: adaptation of the Demoralisation Scale-II (DS-II) for postnatal use. (20th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bobevski, Irene; McKenzie, Dean P.; Rowe, Heather; Kissane, David W.; Clarke, David M.; Fisher, Jane
• Is Part Of: Journal of reproductive and infant psychology. Volume 36:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 561
• Page End: 577
• Publication Date: 2018-10-20
• Subjects: Demoralisation -- postpartum period -- mental health -- women -- parenting -- psychometrics; Human reproduction -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Infant psychology -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Child Psychology -- Periodicals; Women -- psychology -- Periodicals; 612.6
• DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2018.1519781
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-6838

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Demoralisation Scale II (DS-II) and adapt it for use with women in the postnatal period. Background : Demoralisation is a psychological state characterised by a sense of incompetence and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness in response to a stressful situation. The postnatal period is a life stage of many disruptions. Women may lose their confidence and become demoralised if feeling unprepared for the tasks of motherhood. The DS-II is a 16-item scale developed among cancer patients, but with content that is also relevant postnatally, including items on sense of failure, helplessness, hopelessness, isolation, entrapment and loss of purpose. Methods : Rasch analysis was used to investigate the psychometric properties of the DS-II and refine the scale for postnatal use. Results : Participants were 209 women admitted with their babies to a residential early parenting programme. A 14-item revised scale was derived, the Postnatal DS-II, showing good psychometric properties, discriminant validity and sensitivity to change, and being well targeted to the sample. Conclusion : The Postnatal DS-II could have utility as an assessment tool, helping clinicians to understand better women's postnatal experiences, assess the effectiveness of interventions and communicate with women in a meaningful and non-stigmatising way.