[Construct validity of the life transition scale for parents of children with autism].
OBJECTIVE
The study was done to identify the construct validity and reliability of the life transition scale (LTS) for parents who have children with autism.


METHODS
Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmative factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to identify the most adequate measurement model for structural validity. Convergent validity and discriminant validity were also conducted for structural validity. Data were collected from 208 parents through self-reported questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS/WIN 15.0 and AMOS 20.0 version.


RESULTS
A four factor-structure was validated (χ²=541.23, p<.001, GFI=.82, RMSEA=.07, IFI=.89, CFI=.89, PNFI=.73, Q (χ²/df)=2.20) at the 3rd order of EFA and CFA, and factors were named as denying, wandering, despairing, and accepting. Both convergent and determinant validity for LTS were 100%. Cronbach's alphas for the reliability of each structure were .77-.90 and .83 for total structure.


CONCLUSIONS
The four structures, 24-item instrument showed satisfactory reliability and validity. LTS has the potential to be appropriate for assessing the transition process of life for parents who have children with autism and provides basic directions for differentiated support and care at each stage.
Department of Nursing, Wonkwang Health Science University, Iksan, Korea.
Ae Ran
AR
Lee
Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea. swhong@dju.kr.
Sun Woo
SW
Hong
Department of Nursing, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Korea.
Se Jin
SJ
Ju
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Autistic disorder; Parents; Transition; Validity