Empty Nest

Objectives: This research aims to develop a scale for measuring Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) across its stages. Specific objectives include: A) Evaluating the presence of ENS, B) Determining its pathological or normative status, C) Identifying the individual's current stage, and D) Clarifying behaviors at each stage.
Method: This methodological study employed Waltz's four-phase approach to design an instrument for measuring Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS). Validity and reliability were assessed through face and content validity, with 550 participants contributing to construct validity. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficient, while test-retest reliability and ICC was evaluated with 50 participants over a two-week interval.
Results: Initially, 309 items were generated using a five-point Likert scale. Psychometric analysis yielded item impact scores from 1.28 to 5, CVR from 0.47 to 0.87, and CVI from 0.68 to 1. The KMO (0.939) confirmed sample adequacy, and Bartlett's test indicated suitability for factor analysis. EFA identified five factors, reducing the item count to 37, which were further validated through CFA, confirming the scale's convergent and divergent validity.
Conclusions: The ENS scale enhances understanding of the condition for healthcare providers, aiding in accurate diagnosis and prevention. It meets standard instrument criteria with sufficient validity, reliability, and ease of scoring.