Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the newly adapted German version of the Parental Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) in a group of mothers drawn from the general population, with children aged 12-24 weeks. This assessment followed a thorough linguistic validation, which was conducted through a systematic, multi-step translation process. METHODS: 363 women completed the PBQ online 12-24 weeks after delivery. Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to assess internal consistency reliability and construct validity. RESULTS: The original 4-factor model could not be confirmed. The new PBQ provides a single factor solution. Ten items were removed from the original 25-item PBQ to produce the abbreviated German PBQ-15, which showed strong internal consistency. The Cronbach's alpha for this version was 0.86. CONCLUSION: While further research is needed to establish diagnostic thresholds and strengthen the construct validity of the shortened version, the German-language 15-item version of the PBQ holds promise as an accessible tool for recognizing bonding issues in a general population of German-speaking women 3-6 months postpartum.