Adaptation and validation of the Family Influence Scale on the sample of Serbian students

Abstract

The study is aimed at adapting the Family Influence Scale into Serbian, as well as at examining the functional equivalence of the adapted version compared to the original one using the sample of Serbian students. The sample consisted of 204 students (M age = 22.24, SD age = 2.40, Min age = 18, Max age = 34), 77.5% of whom were female. To assess the construct validity of the adapted version of the scale, principal component analysis, parallel analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were used. The results indicate that there is an equal number of dimensions that are distinguished within both the original and adapted versions of the scale (Informational Support, Financial Support, Family Expectations, and Values/Beliefs). Additionally, the results support the convergent validity considered through calculating the correlations with the Support, Involvement, and Lack of Engagement Scale. The nomological network of the adapted version of the scale was examined, and the results generally support its equivalence with the nomological network of the original version of the scale. The internal validity of the scale was considered by examining the interrelationships of its measures. These results generally support this type of validity. The adapted version of the scale has generally shown satisfactory reliability of internal consistency in our sample. Despite its limitations, the study has shown that the adapted version of the Family Influence Scale can be used to examine the possible influence of family on career choice and development among students. Hence, the current study provides valuable insights into the development of the career-related measures that can be implemented in other cultural contexts.