Adaptation and validation of a French version of the situational motivation scale (SIMS) for skin-to-skin contact: Preliminary findings

Introduction: The SIMS (Guay et al., 2000) is a self-report measure of situational intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation. This scale is based on the self-determination theory of Ryan and Deci (2000). However, it only considers 4 of the 6 motivational factors proposed by the theory. The aim is to add the other two factors to the SIMS to assess situational motivation for skin-to-skin practice. In a second step, we want to test the reliability and validity of the adapted scale. Method: We constructed 8 new items and adapted 4 existing SIMS items to create a 6-factor version. Mothers of preterm infants initiated in MMK in 2 hospitals of Cameroon were invited to fill in the questionnaire on a weekly basis after their initiation in MMK up to 40 weeks of amenorrhoea. At each assessment, the duration of skin-to-skin practice and the baby's weight gain were also evaluated. Data collection is ongoing. Results: Preliminary results (N=109) show a factor structure with 4 or 6 factors depending on the week of assessment. Regression analyses show that some factors are associated with the duration of skin-to-skin contact with the baby. Discussion: The results will make it possible to propose a new tool for assessing the mother's motivation to practice skin-to-skin contact with her preterm newborn. In addition, the types of motivation most likely to promote a better mother commitment in the practice of skin-to-skin contact with her preterm newborn will be identified.