Psychometric Validation of the Turkish Version of the Emotional Availability and Responsiveness in Intrapartum Care Scale.

Background and Purpose: Emotional availability and responsiveness are key components of woman-centered intrapartum care, yet no standardized instrument has been available in Turkey to assess these constructs. This study aimed to adapt the Emotional Availability and Responsiveness in Intrapartum Care Scale (EAR-IC) into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods

This study used a scale adaptation and validation design and was conducted with 93 midwives. Construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency and test-retest analysis. Convergent validity was evaluated using the Empathic Tendency Scale.

Results

The Turkish version of the EAR-IC (EAR-IC-TR) demonstrated a single-factor structure with factor loadings between .68 and .82 and acceptable model fit (comparative fit index = .92, root mean square error of approximation = .07). Internal consistency was high (coefficient alpha = .88). Convergent validity was supported by a moderate correlation with empathy (r = .45).

Conclusions

The EAR-IC-TR is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing emotional availability and responsiveness in intrapartum care among midwives in Turkey.