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

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.

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.

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).

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.