Measuring Maternal Resilience in the Context of Parenting Challenges: A Korean Adaptation of the Maternal Resilience Scale

Hee Jung Jang,1,* Soo-Hyun Nam,2,* Koeun Lee,1 Jungmin Lee1 1School of Nursing and Research Institute of Nursing Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea; 2School of Nursing Science, Gyeongkuk National University, Andong, South Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jungmin Lee, School of Nursing and Research Institute of Nursing Science, Hallym University, 1 Hallymdaehak-Gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, 24252, Republic of Korea, Tel +82-33-248-2728, Fax +82-33-248-2734, Email j_lee0624@hallym.ac.krIntroduction: This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Korean version of the Maternal Resilience Scale (MRS-K) for mothers of school-aged children who are experiencing parenting difficulties.Methods: Based on DeVellis’ framework for instrument development, the original MRS was translated, culturally adapted, and data were collected from 250 South Korean mothers of school-aged children experiencing parenting difficulties. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the scale.Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor structure (self-determination, hopelessness, spiritual faith, rejection of personal responsibility, lack of partner support, and limited resources), demonstrating good model fit (χ2/df = 2.271, root mean square error of approximation = 0.071, standardized root mean square residual = 0.073).Discussion: The MRS-K is a valid and reliable tool for assessing maternal resilience in South Korean mothers of school-aged children. Its application can inform the early identification of at-risk caregivers and support the development of customized interventions in clinical and community contexts.Keywords: factor analysis, mothers, parenting, psychometrics, resilience