Assessing the reliability and validity of the catalight family wellbeing scale in a Turkish sample

Abstract

Background: Family well-being is increasingly recognized as an important outcome in research and practice involving families of individuals with developmental disabilities, highlighting the need for valid assessment instruments. However, the Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale (CFWS) has only been validated in the United States, and evidence for its cross-cultural applicability remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the CFWS among families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Methods: The sample comprised 343 primary caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. The 15-item CFWS was translated using a standardized procedure. Psychometric properties were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency (Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω), measurement invariance across caregiver gender, and convergent and discriminant validity analyses with the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale (BCFQOL) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Results: CFA supported the original three-factor structure. Internal consistency was acceptable to excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.70–0.92; McDonald's ω = 0.71–0.92). Measurement invariance supported score comparability across caregiver gender. Expected positive associations with the BCFQOL and negative associations with the DASS-21 supported convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the CFWS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing family well-being among families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Implications/Recommendations: The Turkish CFWS can be used in research and practice to assess family well-being, monitor family-centered interventions, and support service planning for families of individuals with developmental disabilities in Türkiye.