Revision of the Self-rating Scale of Systemic Family Dynamics Based on the Applicability among College Students in Southwest China

Abstract

Objective: To revise the self-rating scale of systemic family dynamics (SSFD) based on its applicability among college students in southwest China. Methods: The study conducted a survey using the Chinese version of the self-rating scale of systemic family dynamics (SSFD) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies depression scale (CES-D) on 3,122 college students from Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guizhou. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the items of SSFD by SPSS, followed by confirmatory factor analysis by Amos. Results: Based on the factor analysis, the systemic logic dimension of the original scale was removed, retaining three dimensions: family atmosphere, individualization, and disease concepts. The number of items was reduced from 23 to 14. The revised scale’s overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.914, with dimension-specific Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.689 to 0.905. All dimensions and the total score of the revised SSFD showed significant negative correlations with depression (-0.193**, -0.237**, -0.086**, -0.168**). The confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit indices (GFI = 0.943, IFI = 0.950, CFI = 0.950, NFI = 0.944, RMSEA = 0.069, SMRA = 0.037). Conclusion: The revised SISFD scale features a clear structure and meets measurement standards, making it suitable for measuring systemic family dynamics among southwest China college students.