Psychometric properties of the Attachment in Middle Childhood Questionnaire for Iranian children

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. student in educational psychology, Department of Psychology, Qeshm Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qeshm, Iran.

2 Assistant professor, Department of Psychology, Qeshm Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qeshm, Iran.

10.22038/JFMH.2025.82656.3170

Abstract

Introduction: Measuring attachment identifies strengths and weaknesses in parent-child relationships and allows early interventions to improve these relationships and prevent future problems. This study aims to validate the psychometric properties of the Attachment in Middle Childhood Questionnaire (AMCQ) for Iranian children.
 
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study used psychometric and validation methods. The population was children aged 8 to 10 years in Bandar Abbas-Iran, in 2023. A total of 900 participants were selected using cluster sampling. Data collection involved administering the AMCQ and the Middle Childhood Attachment Questionnaire (MCAQ). Validity and reliability were assessed using content validity, concurrent validity, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and internal reliability measures. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18 and LISREL 8.8 software.
 
Results: High Content Validity Ratio (> 0.80) and Content Validity Index (> 0.83) values indicated strong content validity. A positive correlation (r= 0.78, P= 0.001) between AMCQ and MCAQ scores confirmed concurrent validity. Factor analysis identified three dimensions—anxiety, avoidance, and security—explaining 60.19% of the variance. High Cronbach's alpha values (0.883-0.919) and split-half reliability (0.952) showed strong internal consistency. Guttman's lambda coefficients (λ= 0.845-0.950) further confirmed reliability.
 
Conclusion: The Attachment in Middle Childhood Questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing attachment in Iranian children. The comprehensive assessment methods and large sample size bolster its effectiveness, making it suitable for various cultural contexts.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 27, Issue 2
March and April 2025
Pages 67-77

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