The Pregnancy-Related Objectification Beliefs Scale (PROBS): Development and Validation of a Measure of Reproductive Objectification of Pregnant Women

Abstract

A better understanding of reproductive objectification—people reducing pregnant women to reproductive objects—could have both theoretical and societal import, but no validated measures exist to examine this construct. The purpose of the present work was to develop and validate the Pregnancy-Related Objectification Beliefs Scale (PROBS). In Study 1, we generated a pool of items and conducted exploratory factor analysis to provide preliminary evidence of the scale's structure and guide item retention. In Study 2, we examined the robustness of the factor structure with confirmatory factor analysis. We also assessed measurement invariance across gender groups and further considered dimensionality with bifactor analysis. Evidence supported multidimensionality, including support for the total scale as well as specific factors reflecting Body as Vessel for Fetus, Irrational and Overemotional , and Unattractive and Voice Denial. We found support for convergent, discriminant, criterion, and incremental validity in Study 2, including expected positive relations of PROBS scores with sex- and appearance-based objectification (of women and self), sexist ideology, and reproductive autonomy denial. The PROBS may be a useful addition to the literature to better understand the predictors, mechanisms, moderators, and outcomes of reproductive objectification, informing interventions to reduce its occurrence.