The Maternal Behavior Rating Scale

Abstract

This investigation presents data on a seven-item short form of the Maternal Behavior Rating Scale, which is a global rating scale designed to assess the quality of maternal interactive behavior with young mentally retarded children. Seven items were used to assess the interactive behavior of a sample of 60 mothers while they were playing with their mentally retarded children who were either 1, 2, or 3 years of age. A factor analysis of the seven items revealed two independent parameters of maternal behavior, child orientedness/pleasure, and control. A least squares regression procedure indicated that the two factors accounted for 20% of the variability in children's level of mental development. These results closely approximated those obtained with the 18-item version of this scale.