Path analysis of measured variables of subjective motivational values toward child gender tool tested in women of reproductive age in a Northern State of India

Abstract

Background: Structural equation modeling was done for path analysis among domain scores of motivational values toward child gender (MVCG) questionnaire. It was used to assess consistency between observed and estimated covariance matrix as theoretically assumed. The objective of the study is to identify paths to influence the power domain among selected women of Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 655 women were interviewed and information was collected using the MVCG questionnaire. Responses to 28 questions of eight domains were used for path analysis. The model-building process was started from an assumed theoretical construct and referred to as Model-1 and changes in the model were done gradually by addition of pathway(s) within the construct. The addition of pathways was carried out to observe a good model fit. Results: Fit indices from Model-1 to -4 changed across models as the user-defined χ2/df ratio decreased from 56.8 to 5.8 indicating acceptable fit. Change across models for normed-fit index, comparative fit index, and Tucker Lewis index showed that a large improvement from 0.74 to 0.94, 0.73 to 0.95, and from 0.56 to 0.90 indicating a good fit, respectively. Likewise, root mean square error of approximation reduced from 0.29 to 0.08 and standardized root mean square from 0.07 to 0.03 from Model-1 to -4, indicative of a close fit. In final model (Model-3), significantly, tradition, hedonism, and security had negative whereas, benevolence, conformity, and self-direction had positive influence on power. Conclusion: Path analysis observed the influence of motivational values on power through self-direction, achievement, and tradition. They were observed to be the main drivers toward decision-making process toward gender of child.