A multi-step linguistic validation for cultural adaptation of the German-language Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire

Abstract

The four-dimensional Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) is an original English self-report questionnaire aimed for detection of postpartum mother–infant bonding disorders. The aim of this study was to create a German version of the PBQ that corresponds conceptually and linguistically to the original questionnaire. The systematic multistep translation process followed the guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, consisting of forward and backward translations, pilot testing, and cognitive interviews of mothers and a panel of experts. Cognitive interviews with users (n = 10) resulted in 15 changes that improved the completeness and accuracy of the translation. The translation was reviewed by a panel of four experts for practicality, resulting in two changes. As a result of the translation process and cognitive interviews, the German PBQ is linguistically equivalent to the original English version and can be evaluated in psychometric validation for further use in primary care.