Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Family Communication Scale in the Chinese Population

Henry C. Y. Ho,Kasisomayajula Viswanath,Agnes Y. Lai,Ningyuan Guo,Tzu Tsun Luk,Man Ping Wang,Tai Hing Lam,Sophia S. Chan

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.736514

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the 10-item Family Communication Scale (FCS) in the Chinese population.Methods: Study 1 was a population-based survey [N = 687, 61.1% female; mean age (SD) 56.6 (19.1)]. Study 2 was a community-based intervention (N = 1983, 76.7% female; 57.8% aged 20–59 years). We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in Study 1 and replicated the model by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Study 2. Psychometric properties were evaluated, including internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and known-group validity. We identified how the FCS scores differed by sociodemographic characteristics and communication methods including face to face and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Study 1.Results: The EFA and CFA supported a one-factor structure. The Chinese FCS showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91; McDonald’s Omega = 0.91) and was stable over 1-month (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.69, P < 0.001). Convergent validity was supported by positive correlations of FCS with the Subjective Happiness Scale, Family Adaption, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve (APGAR) Scale, family health, harmony, and happiness, and perceived family communication sufficiency and quality (All P < 0.001). Discriminant validity was supported by the stronger correlation of FCS with Short Form-12 Health Survey Version 2 Mental Component than that with Physical Component (P < 0.001). Higher household income, frequent face-to-face communication, and frequent use of phone calls, instant messaging, and social networking sites were associated with higher FCS scores.Conclusion: The one-factor structure of the Chinese FCS can be a reliable and valid measurement of positive family communication, in the context of ICT integration into family communication.Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02563613].

Highlights

Communication is the act of sharing ideas, participating in decision making, and expressing feelings among members as a family unit (Olson, 2000)
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on the one-factor structure in the community-based sample of Study 2
All model fit indices were within the prespecified cut-off values (GFI = 0.998 > 0.95, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.994 > 0.90, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.044 < 0.06, root mean square residual (RMR) = 0.016 < 0.08, standardized RMR (SRMR) = 0.028 < 0.08), except for χ2/df = 4.61 > 3 (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Communication is the act of sharing ideas, participating in decision making, and expressing feelings among members as a family unit (Olson, 2000). A validation study in Turkey showed a one-factor structure that discarded items on selfdisclosure and affective communication (Türkdogan et al, 2018), which was controversial with the original scale having all 10 items in one factor (Olson and Barnes, 2004). Such a variable FCS scoring structure can be explained by cultural differences in family communication patterns across different populations. Apart from cultural differences, our previous qualitative studies in Chinese showed that family communication could be affected by interaction time, income, and psychosocial capitals (Chan et al, 2011; Lam et al, 2012)

Methods

Results

Conclusion