Development and Validation of a Scale for Assessing Family Members’ Responses In Child Maltreatment

Background and Purpose: Family members are often the most immediate bystanders in cases of child maltreatment. However, there is a lack of validated instruments to assess family members’ bystander behaviors systematically. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate the Family Bystander Behavior Scale (FBBS) to capture caregivers’ behavioral responses when witnessing child maltreatment within the household.

Methods: A sample of 1,706 caregivers (76.7% female; mean age = 41.5) recruited through 2 primary schools, a middle school, and a kindergarten in China participated in this study. The 15-item FBBS was developed through adaptations of existing bystander behavior measures and in-depth interviews with 30 caregivers. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal axis factoring and oblimin rotation was used to identify the underlying structure of the FBBS. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the fit of the hypothesized model based on the EFA results. Criterion validity was assessed through correlations with participants’ self-efficacy in intervening. The reliability of the factors identified was evaluated using McDonald’s ω coefficients.

Results: EFA supported a four-factor structure (i.e., Silent, Mediate, Pro-violence, and Defend), which was further confirmed by CFA, demonstrating good model fit (CFI = 0.980, TLI = 0.975, RMSEA = 0.076, SRMR = 0.035). All factor loadings were substantial, with no cross-loading issues. The four factors Criterion validity was supported, as Defend (r = 0.273) and Mediate (r = 0.323) were positively associated with self-efficacy in intervening, whereas Silent (r = -0.299) and Pro-violence (r = -0.182) were negatively associated. The four subscales showed satisfactory internal consistency (ω = 0.833–0.896).

Conclusion and Implications: The FBBS represents the first validated tool for capturing family members’ responses when witnessing child maltreatment within the household. Notably, this study identifies a distinct “Mediate” dimension (e.g., comforting the child or advising the caregiver), which reflects the relational nature of family member interaction. This dimension differentiates FBBS from existing bystander behavior scales developed in bullying and sexual harassment, where direct intervention is more commonly emphasized. For practical implications, this scale facilitates the development of bystander intervention programs and parenting programs that aim to empower caregivers positively and strategically intervene in child maltreatment within households.