Validation studies of the Perinatal Affective Assessment Scales for Fathers (PAPA) and Mothers (PAMA) in Chilean parents

  • Francisca Pérez Cortés
  • , Daniela Ampuero
  • , Valentina Alba
  • , María José Balin
  • , Alejandra Iturra
  • , Felipe Ayala
  • , Michele Giannotti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Perinatal depression has been extensively studied in women, but its impact on fathers remains underexplored, despite evidence showing a prevalence of around 10% in men. This study aimed to validate the Perinatal Affective Assessment Scale for Fathers (PAPA) and its maternal counterpart (PAMA) in a Chilean population, addressing the gender-specific manifestations of perinatal affective symptoms. A quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational design was employed, including 80 fathers and 94 mothers. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed excellent fit indices for both scales. For the PAPA scale, the respecified model showed CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.004, RMSEA = 0.000 (90% CI = 0.000–0.000), and SRMR = 0.065. For the PAMA scale, the respecified model also showed CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.004, RMSEA = 0.000 (90% CI = 0.000–0.000), and SRMR = 0.046. Additionally, significant differences were observed between PAPA and PAMA scores, highlighting higher affective symptomatology among fathers. The results confirm the validity and reliability of the scales, emphasizing the importance of incorporating fathers into perinatal mental health evaluations from a dyadic perspective.

Original languageEnglish
Article number624
JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2025

Keywords

  • Paternal mental health
  • Perinatal affectivity
  • Perinatal depression
  • Scale validation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Validation studies of the Perinatal Affective Assessment Scales for Fathers (PAPA) and Mothers (PAMA) in Chilean parents'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this