Initial development of the Health Promoting Activities Scale to measure the leisure participation of mothers of children with disabilities

OBJECTIVE: The Health Promoting Activities Scale (HPAS) measures the frequency with which mothers participate in self-selected leisure activities that promote health and well-being. We undertook an initial evaluation of the scale with mothers of school-age children with developmental disabilities (N = 152). METHOD: We used a mixed methodology in the instrument design: a qualitative study to generate items and a quantitative study to evaluate the instrument. Our statistical analysis assessed the internal consistency, factor structure, and construct validity of the HPAS. RESULTS: The HPAS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α =.78). Construct validity was supported by moderate correlations with subjective maternal mental and general health (Short Form 36, Version 2) and by differentiation in leisure participation among groups of mothers reporting differences in mental health status. CONCLUSION: Initial evaluation of the HPAS indicates that this brief tool is psychometrically sound. The HPAS allows professionals to evaluate clients' participation in leisure occupations that promote health and well-being. Further development of the HPAS is warranted.