Maternal reflective function scale: the development of a scale for primary health care services

Background: The development of a secure attachment is considered one of the most crucial milestones in the first 12 months of an infant's life. Furthermore, it is thought that reflective function is a key component in the developing attachment relationship. Approximately 20–30 % of new mothers will struggle with tuning into their baby and responding sensitively, with postnatal depression a well-recognised risk factor for the attachment relationship.\ud \ud Primary health care providers have a key role in the screening and surveillance of common developmental problems in young children. They are well placed to monitor mother-infant relationships within the context of universal child health checks and targeted home visiting programs.\ud \ud Aim: The aim of this study is to develop and conduct preliminary validation of a cost effective, brief self-report scale that is acceptable tomothers of young infants to identify potential difficulties with reflective function.\ud \ud Method: A development scale was constructed with an over inclusive item set generated from a multidisciplinary, intersectorial expert groupand verbatim statements from a representative, community focus group of mothers. Pilot testing of items occurred with the focus group. Approximately 300 mothers of young infants (