Translation and validation of the Dutch version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R)

Emmens, Berbel; Hollins Martin, Caroline J.; Martin, Colin R.

Abstract

Background
Recent observations suggest birth satisfaction may be significantly associated with postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD). The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) is increasingly used Internationally as a short, valid and reliable multi-dimensional measure of birth experience. The current study sought to develop a Dutch version of the BSS-R (D-BSS-R) for clinical and research application in the Netherlands.

Methods
Post-translation, a cross-sectional design with an embedded between-subjects component was used to evaluate key indices of validity and reliability of the D-BSS-R in a purposive sampled cohort of 244 Dutch-speaking women in the Netherlands. Confirmatory factor analysis, divergent, convergent and known-groups discriminant validity were evaluated as was the internal consistency of the measure.

Results
The D-BSS-R was found to be a generally valid and reliable measure of birth experience with the key measurement characteristics of the original English-language measure transferring well to the Dutch context. Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between all D-BSS-R sub-scales and a validated measure of PTSD.

Conclusions
The D-BSS-R represents a valid and reliable measure of birth experience suitable and appropriate for use in the Netherlands. The study corroborates previous suggestions of linkage between birth satisfaction and PP-PTSD using a robust and diagnostically valid measure of trauma.

Citation

Emmens, B., Hollins Martin, C. J., & Martin, C. R. (2023). Translation and validation of the Dutch version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R). Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 41(2), 213-227. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2021.1979200

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 6, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Nov 18, 2021
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 2, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 2, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0264-6838
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-672X
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 41
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 213-227
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2021.1979200
• Keywords: Birth satisfaction, birth experience, scales, psychometrics, trauma
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2825924