Development and validation of the eco-reproductive concern scale

Climate change has emerged as a growing psychosocial stressor that shapes individuals' perceptions of the future, including decisions related to childbearing. However, the lack of standardized measurement tools limits the systematic assessment of eco-reproductive concerns within public health and nursing research. This study aims to develop a measurement tool that assesses individuals' reproductive concerns and intentions in the context of climate change and environmental crises.

This cross-sectional methodological study was conducted with 617 adults aged 18-45 years between September and December 2025. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the Eco-Reproductive Concern Scale (ERCS). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed on independent samples. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, and split-half methods. Convergent, discriminant, and construct validity, as well as measurement invariance across gender, were evaluated. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS Statistics 29 and AMOS.

Participants' mean age was 26.37 ± 8.28 years in the EFA phase (74.3% women, 25.7% men) and 26.97 ± 8.65 years in the CFA phase (72.1% women, 27.9% men). EFA yielded a 28-item, four-factor structure, accounting for 70.12% of the total variance. CFA confirmed the factor structure, demonstrating acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 2.35, CFI = 0.909, TLI = 0.900, RMSEA = 0.074, SRMR = 0.064). Convergent and discriminant validity were supported by AVE, CR, and Fornell-Larcker criteria. The scale's internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.946). Measurement invariance across women and men was established at configural, metric, and scalar levels.

The study found that the ERCS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing reproductive concerns associated with climate change. The ERCS can be used across a broad range of health research and clinical settings, including public health, nursing, medicine, psychology, and other behavioral and allied health disciplines, to better understand how environmental crises influence reproductive attitudes and intentions.