Measuring the meaning of miscarriage: revision of the Impact of Miscarriage Scale.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine a factor structure for the Impact of Miscarriage Scale (IMS). The 24 items comprising the IMS were originally derived from a phenomenological study of miscarriage in women. Initial psychometric properties were established based on a sample of 188 women (Swanson, 1999a).


METHODS
Data from 341 couples were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).


RESULTS
CFA did not confirm the original structure. EFA explained 57% of the variance through an 18-item, 4-factor structure: isolation and guilt, loss of baby, devastating event, and adjustment. Except for the Adjustment subscale, Cronbach's alpha coefficients were > or = .78.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a 3-factor solution is most defensible, with further refinement and additional items, the 4th factor (adjustment) may warrant retention.
Carolyn S
CS
Huffman
Kristen
K
Swanson
Mary R
MR
Lynn
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires