Developing and identifying the psychometric properties of empty nest syndrome SCALE
Abstract Background The parents’ reaction to children leaving home is called Empty Nest Syndrome. Given this syndrome’s cultural nature, this research aims to design and determine the psychometric properties of a scale to measure it based on its multiple stages. Methods In this methodological study,...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03064-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background The parents’ reaction to children leaving home is called Empty Nest Syndrome. Given this syndrome’s cultural nature, this research aims to design and determine the psychometric properties of a scale to measure it based on its multiple stages. Methods In this methodological study, Waltz’s (2010) four-phase approach was utilized to design the instrument for measuring ENS. The psychometric process involved determining the instrument’s validity and reliability. The face and the content validity were assessed; then, for construct validity, 550 eligible participants were involved. The data was analyzed using SPSS22 and AMOS24 software. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha in two phases, and McDonald’s omega coefficient was calculated. To assess reliability (test-retest and ICC), 50 participants were involved in a two-week interval. Results In the initial phase, 309 items were extracted using a five-point Likert scale. The psychometric phases calculated item impact scores ranging from 1.28 to 5, CVR from 0.47 to 0.87, and CVI from 0.68 to 1. The KMO (0.939) indicated sample adequacy, and Bartlett’s test showed a model fit for factor analysis. The EFA revealed five factors, reducing the item count to 37. After naming the factors, CFA examined relationships between observed and latent variables. The results confirmed the convergent and divergent validity of the scale. Conclusion Based on its stages, the ENS scale contributes to understanding the syndrome among healthcare providers, enabling precise diagnosis and prevention of related issues. The scale possesses all the characteristics of a standard instrument, with adequate validity, reliability, and ease of scoring. |
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| ISSN: | 2050-7283 |