Validation and optimal cut-off score of the Multidimensional Paternal Perinatal Scale (MPPS)

The Multidimensional Paternal Perinatal Scale (MPPS) helps to identify perinatal fathers at risk of developing poor emotional well-being. The MPPS consists of two versions: the antenatal version and the postnatal version. The MPPS has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure in assessing the precursors for perinatal fathers' emotional well-being. This study assessed the discriminant validity, concurrent validity, sensitivity, and the optimal cut-off scores of the MPPS. The discriminant validity of the MPPS was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale as a discriminant measure. The concurrent validity of the MPPS was established through the examination of the MPPS's predictive ability through group differentiation (i.e., depressed versus non-depressed fathers, anxious versus non-anxious fathers, and stressed versus non-stressed fathers). The optimal cut-off scores for each version of the MPPS were identified using Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis. Both versions of the MPPS can identify fathers at risk of poor emotional well-being during the antenatal and postnatal periods. The proposed cut-off score for the ANT-MPPS is 23.5 for depression, 41.5 for anxiety, and 38.5 for stress. As for the POST-MPPS, a cut-off score of 64.5 is recommended for depression and a 65.5 cut-off score for both anxiety and stress conditions. The MPPS provides health professionals, clinicians, and researchers with a comprehensive assessment tool for identifying both antenatal and postnatal fathers at risk of developing poor emotional well-being.