The Factor Structure of the Childhood and Adolescence Emotional Experience Scale

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Family Department, Research Institute of Hawzeh and University, Qom, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Qom, Iran

3 MA Student in General Psychology, Hoda Faculty, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Extended Abstract
 
Introduction and Objectives: Childhood and adolescence represent critical stages of psychological development, during which emotional experiences significantly shape personality, self-esteem, and long-term mental health outcomes. In recent years, increasing scholarly attention has been directed toward the quality of parent–child relationships and their role in fostering emotional well-being, particularly in the prevention of psychological disorders. Despite this, there remains a shortage of culturally adapted and psychometrically robust instruments for evaluating emotional experiences in these formative years. Many existing tools lack clarity, brevity, or contextual sensitivity, especially in non-Western populations.
The present study sought to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Childhood and Adolescence Emotional Experience Scale (CAEE), a concise instrument developed to assess individuals’ perceptions of emotional experiences and parental support during early developmental stages. Validating this scale addresses a critical gap in developmental psychology and offers a reliable tool for clinical, educational, and family-based interventions. Ultimately, the CAEE is designed to enable rapid, accurate, and culturally relevant assessment of emotional experiences, thereby advancing both research and therapeutic practices.
Method: This descriptive-correlational study employed an applied research framework. A total of 201 adults aged 25 years and older were recruited via convenience sampling through social media platforms. Participants completed two instruments: the CAEE, comprising four items, and a subscale measuring family social support. Responses were scored on a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10.
Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with principal component extraction and Varimax rotation to identify the underlying factor structure. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) index and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were applied to verify sampling adequacy and data suitability for factor analysis.
Construct validity was further assessed using split-half reliability, item–total correlations, and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the predictive capacity of the CAEE in relation to perceived family support. Ethical protocols—including informed consent and data confidentiality—were strictly observed.
Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure for the CAEE:

Emotional Experience in Childhood and Adolescence
Parental Support and Care

The overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.76, with subscale reliabilities of 0.77 and 0.88, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. Factor loadings ranged from 0.88 to 0.94, and together, the two factors explained 85.53% of the total variance.
Split-half reliability confirmed the stability of the measure. Total emotional experience scores demonstrated a significant positive correlation with family social support, establishing concurrent validity. Regression analysis further showed that the CAEE predicted 52% of the variance in family support scores. These findings indicate that the CAEE is both statistically robust and conceptually consistent with established theories in developmental and family psychology.
Discussion and Conclusions: The results provide strong evidence for the validity and reliability of the CAEE’s two-factor structure, underscoring the pivotal role of parental emotional support in promoting psychological well-being. The brevity, clarity, and ease of administration of the scale make it a practical resource for researchers, clinicians, and educators across developmental psychology, family studies, and mental health disciplines.
Findings highlight that positive parent–child interactions—particularly consistent emotional support—function as critical protective factors in nurturing emotional security and self-esteem. The discrepancies observed between parental and child perceptions of support emphasize the complexity of family dynamics and the importance of incorporating children’s perspectives into intervention strategies.
By offering a brief yet reliable assessment tool, the CAEE can enhance prevention and intervention programs targeting psychological disorders and contribute to a deeper understanding of emotional development. Considering that early emotional experiences shape attachment patterns, emotion regulation, and social functioning in adulthood, the CAEE represents a valuable instrument for advancing mental health research and practice across the lifespan.
Acknowledgements: The authors extend their sincere gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions. Special appreciation is also expressed to the academic mentors and colleagues whose insights and guidance enriched this research.

Keywords

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