Latent Class Analysis Approach for the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale IV Among Young People From Romania: The First Step for Validation

Abstract

The objectives of this study were the following: (a) to examine the psychometric quality of the Romanian version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale IV and (b) to assess the cohesion and flexibility of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale IV according to gender, age, and marital status. A total of 1,359 young people, aged 18 to 30 years, selected from the main university centers in Romania participate in this study. The internal consistency was good for five out of the six scales (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged from .61 to .80) but was poor for the Chaotic scale (α = .53). Very good internal consistency was observed for the Communication (.91) and Satisfaction scales (.94). Five of the six clusters identified by latent class analysis were similar to the family profiles described by Olson. The Flexibly Connected and Flexibly Very Connected families prevailed. Some statistically significant differences were found by gender and age group.