Development of the Arabic family relation test

Abstract

There is a core need for family-relationships assessment tools. Without a thorough assessment of children's treatment by their surroundings, researchers and stakeholders will be incapable of comprehending any difficulties of child rearing. There is a notable insufficiency in family relationship measures in the Arabic literature. The family assessment tests must be reliable, psychometrically valid, and assess a wide range of factors shaping family relationships. This study aimed to develop the Arabic Family Relation Test (AFRT), which explores six main dimensions of relationships: Restrictiveness, Affection, Vulnerability, Justice, Acknowledgment, and Trust. The conceptual framework of the test was based on a previous test known as the NFRT and on two psychoanalytical theories: the Binding and the Loyalty theories. The Classical Test Theory was utilized for the scale development following the model of Hinkin et al. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The construction of the AFRT followed seven main steps: (1) Item generation, (2) content adequacy assessment, (3) questionnaire administration, (4) factor analysis, (5) internal consistency assessment, (6) criterion-related validity, and (7) AFRT profile. In addition, the Behavioural Problems and Anxiety scales were used to check criterion-related validity. The sample included 601 students from grades 5, 7, 9, and 11, selected through a cluster random sampling technique. Using CFA, the findings revealed a valid 60-item AFRT with a factorial structure of two second-order factors and six first-order factors. The first second-order factor was Control, consisted of Restrictiveness, moderate variance of Justice, and small variance of Acknowledgment. The other second-order factor was Support, included Affection, Vulnerability, Trust, high validity of Justice, and high validity of Acknowledgment. Measurement invariance of the AFRT was achieved in the father-child model across groups of age and gender. However, measurement invariance was only supported across age groups in the mother-child model. Criterion related validity was examined concerning fathers’ and mothers’ ratings, children’s gender and age differences, and children’s internalizing and externalizing behavioural problems. AFRT’s profile was developed based on mothers’ and fathers’ ratings and children’s ages and gender. This study has some limitations, including the dependence on children’s points of view, self-report data, and the quantitative design. This study also yielded several implications, such as examining the same theoretical framework within different Arabic cultures and using the AFRT to assess family-relationship issues among children. The AFRT is an appropriate family assessment tool that can be enhanced in further studies and used in the field of family assessment.