Development and validation of the Malaysian gen Y family resilience scale (myFRSGY): A second-order model

Abstract

In the Malaysian context, assessing family resilience in the Generation Y population necessitates the development of context-specific and psychometrically validated instruments. This study developed and validated a second-order family resilience model specifically for families belonging to Malaysian Generation Y. The instrument is named the Malaysian Generation Y Family Resiliency Scale, abbreviated as myFRSGY. A mixed-methods design was employed, beginning with qualitative focus group discussions across five Malaysian regions to develop culturally relevant items. Five hundred ninety-six valid responses were collected from participants who served as either husbands or wives in families with children. A second-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the theoretical model, and items with high residuals were removed to optimize model fit. Prior to CFA, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) results supported a ten-construct model based on 102 items. The final model confirmed that family resilience among Malaysian Generation Y families can be represented as a second-order construct, supported by ten first-order latent variables comprising 90 items, with satisfactory model fit and psychometric properties. The final model demonstrated satisfactory fit indices (χ² = 10564.570, CFI = 0.851, RMSEA = 0.054, SRMR = 0.033). Internal consistency reliability (CR = 0.825–0.988) and convergent validity (AVE = 0.536–0.890) were established, with factor loadings ranging from 0.676 to 0.984. The study establishes that family resilience in Generation Y families can be reliably measured through a multidimensional second-order model. The validated myFRSGY provides researchers and practitioners with a robust framework to assess family resilience, identify areas requiring support, and design targeted interventions to enhance the resilience of Generation Y families, not only within the Malaysian context but globally. The myFRSGY offers a culturally grounded, reliable tool to assess resilience and guide interventions in Malaysian Generation Y families, benefiting researchers, practitioners, educators, and policymakers. Its solid theoretical foundation and empirical validity also support broader applicability in other collectivist or multicultural societies.