Intimacy as a Distinct Construct: Validating the Intimacy Scale among Older Adults of Residential Care Homes in Hong Kong

In: The open family studies journal, Volume 7, Issue 1, p. 60-67

Abstract

Objectives:
Intimacy is a construct that has received limited attention in the Chinese context. This study aimed
to validate the Intimacy Scale among older adults in residential care homes in Hong Kong.


Methods:
Seventy-eight Chinese older adults were invited to respond to the Chinese version of the scale and other
measurements validating the scale.


Results:
The scale demonstrated good internal consistency and item-total correlation. Correlations supported the construct
validity of the scale: significant positive correlations were found between perceived intimacy with the family caregiver
and life satisfaction, presence of meaning and perceived family support. No correlation was found between intimacy and
frequency of the family caregiver's visit.


Conclusion:
We found the Intimacy Scale to be a valid measurement for assessing the quality of the relationship between
older adults and family caregivers in the Hong Kong Chinese context. Assessing how older adults perceive the level of
intimacy with family caregivers is important for helping professionals when working with older adults and their family
members.