MIND Lab

Minds Interacting n' Developing

A Protocol for the International Translation and Validation of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale for Preterm Birth [PSAS-PTB] and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [PSAS-NICU] Contexts

Semra Worrall, Victoria Fallon, Paul Christiansen, Asma Khalil, Rosario Spencer, Andres Fresno, Francisca Wormald, Sandra Nakić Radoš, Ana Katušić, Mirna Kostović, Kateřina Azim Aburas, Suaad Moussa, Jaqueline Wendland, Giovanna M. Crivano, Ania Yahiaoui, Nikola Stenzel, Elana Payne, Anja Wittkowski, Mojgan Mirghafourvand, Sepideh Mashayekh-Amiri, Tal Yatziv,Noa Gueron-Sela, Alessandra Bramante, Chiara Ionio, Giulia Ciuffo, Gabija Jarašiūnaitė-Fedosejeva, Erika Gibė, Viktorija Stankevičienė, Sana SaadAdeen, Helena Moreira, Brígida Caiado, Oana Luiza Rebega, Marta E. Aparicio-García, Natalia Costas-Ramón, Rosa M. Cárdaba-García, Akindra Kariyawasam, Maheshika Maduwanthi, Ridma Thilakarathne, Sergio A. Silverio

Objectives: To describe the process for the translation and validation of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale—Preterm Birth [PSAS-PTB] and the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale—Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [PSAS-NICU]. Methods: We outline a four-stage process for translation and validation of the 10-item PSAS-PTB and the 16-item PSAS-NICU. Results: The protocol outlines a multi-stage translation and validation process, including (1) independent forward translation, (2) independent back translation, (3) final approval following review, and (4) validity and reliability study. Conclusions: Culturally and contextually relevant assessment of postpartum anxiety is vital, particularly in vulnerable populations. Following standardised procedures will support broader applicability across diverse populations, providing a reliable self-report tool for both research and clinical use.

Publication language	English
Volume	35
Issue number	1
Publication status	Published - 01.03.2026

Keywords

NICU

cross-cultural validity

postpartum anxiety

preterm birth

psychometrics

translation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Psychiatry and Mental health