The Development, Validity, and Reliability of a Brief Self-Report Measure of Family Resilience in Military Families

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to develop a brief and valid measure of family resilience for use in research with military families. Method A population-based sample of military spouses (N = 16,379) completed assessments of family resilience and validation constructs. Participants were randomized into two subsamples. Subsample 1 was used in a factor analysis to reduce the number of items, whereas subsample 2 was used in a series of models to confirm the initial model and evaluate dimensionality, reliability, and validity. Results Nine items were retained and demonstrated strong factor loadings (> .80) in the initial and confirmatory models. A bifactor model provided some evidence of multidimensionality, but not enough to dismiss the unidimensional construct. Brief measures of family resilience and its subconstructs demonstrated strong reliability and construct validity. Conclusions The 9-item instrument is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to assess military family resilience in future research. Significance statement The brief 9-item measure reduces survey burden and facilitates further empirical research on family resilience in military populations. Such research could inform interventions and preventative care intended to improve the health and well-being of military families.