Validation of Family Values Scale in Community-dwelling Older Chinese Adults: A Large Nationally Representative Study

ObjectiveTo examine the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Family Values Scale among older Chinese adults. BackgroundFamily values shape caregiving practices, intergenerational relationships, and health outcomes in later life. In China, rapid social change has transformed traditional filial norms, yet few validated instruments capture contemporary family values among older adults. MethodWe applied Dimas six-step psychometric validation protocol using data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (CLASS; N = 11,418). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses assessed dimensionality, while internal consistency, measurement invariance, and sensitivity analyses evaluated reliability and robustness. ResultsAfter removing two poorly performing items, the revised six-item scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbachs = 0.80) and strong model fit in confirmatory factor analysis (CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.06). All factor loadings exceeded recommended thresholds, supporting a unidimensional structure that was invariant across key sociodemographic groups. ConclusionThe six-item Family Values Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring contemporary family values among older Chinese adults. ImplicationsThis parsimonious scale can be used in large population studies and policy evaluations to better understand family-based care and ageing in rapidly changing societies.