Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate a scale designed to capture how individuals perceive and evaluate delayed childbearing decisions across multiple psychosocial dimensions. Data were collected from 1,347 childless adults aged 25–40 years, and a cross-validation approach using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses was employed. The findings supported a 20-item, six-factor structure encompassing economic burden, prioritization of personal autonomy, health-related concerns, lack of social support, concerns about future generations, and sociocultural pressure. The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity. Criterion-related validity was supported by theoretically consistent associations among fertility intentions, depression, and subjective well-being. Furthermore, nomological network analyses indicated that delayed childbearing decisions significantly predicted fertility intentions, providing additional support for construct validity. Overall, this scale provides a comprehensive tool for researchers and clinicians to systematically assess the psychosocial processes underlying childbearing decision making.