Title

Development and Validation of a Multidimensional Intergenerational Relationship Quality Scale for Aging Chinese Parents

Authors

Xue Bai, PhD

Author Affiliations

Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Publication Information

Gerontological Society of America

Date of Publication

2018

Series/Report no.

Gerontologist, Vol. 58, No. 6, e338–e348

Key words

Intergenerational solidarity, Structural–associational solidarity, Affectual closeness, Intergenerational conflict, Ambivalence,

Older Chinese, Scale validation

Abstract

Background and Objectives

The quality of intergenerational relationships is crucial for maintaining the well-being of parents and adult children. This study developed and validated an Intergenerational Relationship Quality Scale for Aging Chinese Parents (IRQS-AP) based on the solidarity, conflict, and ambivalence models.

Research Design and Methods

The data were derived from a cross-sectional study in Hong Kong which included a random sample of 1,001 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥50 years. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to examine the factor structure of the scale. The internal consistency reliability and convergent validity of the scale were also assessed.

Results

EFA resulted in a 13-item four-factor (i.e., consensual–normative solidarity, structural–associational solidarity, affectual closeness, and intergenerational conflict) model, which was supported by the CFA and explained 70.7% of the total variance. The reliability of the scale measured using Cronbach’s alpha was .776. The convergent validity of the IRQS-AP was established by its significant correlation with depressive symptoms (r = −.385), sense of loneliness (r = −.449), and self-image (r = .384).

Discussion and Implications

The IRQS-AP as a reliable and valid scale can enable researchers and service practitioners to measure the relationship quality between older people and their adult children accurately, inform the development of interventions to strengthen intergenerational relationships in target domains, and evaluate the effectiveness of related services.

주요 내용

세대 간 관계의 질은 부모와 성인 자녀의 복지를 유지하는 데 매우 중요하다. 

이 연구는 solidarity, conflict, and ambivalence model을 기반으로 하여 노령 부모를 위한 세대간 관계 품질 척도(IRQS-AP)를 개발하고 검증했다.

ISSN

17585341

00169013

DOI

10.1093/geront/gnx156