The psychometric properties of the mindful attention awareness scale among Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and the theoretical structure of the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Jordan.

Method

A sample of 104 parents of children with ASD in Jordan completed the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the factor structure of MAAS. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The convergent validity was assessed using Pearson's product–moment correlations between the MAAS and measures of psychological distress and Quality of life.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis showed that the modified 13-item MAAS fits the data significantly better than the original 15-item model. However, both the 13-item and the 15-item models showed a single factor structure, with excellent internal consistency and convergent validity.

Conclusion

This preliminary study supports using the MAAS in Arab parents of children with ASD.