Development of the Child Image Assessment Scale for Older Adults (CIAO): REPRINTS Cohort Study

Although many scales measure children's image of older adults, none measure the image that older adults hold of children. This study creates a new scale with reference to previous studies. Using a preliminary survey, we examined whether the Child Image Scale originally designed for teachers could be applied to older adults; however, we found that it was insufficiently reliable. In our primary survey, we administered a questionnaire to individuals aged 65 years and older using newly created scale items. A factor analysis was conducted based on these data. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we finally created the "Child Image Assessment Scale for Older Adults" (CIAO), which evaluates older adults' image of children from three perspectives: purity, self-centeredness, and independence. The scale's reliability and validity were confirmed using a primary and secondary survey and different samples. The results contribute to the effective evaluation of intergenerational exchange programs in the future.