Investigating the Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Cinderella Syndrome Scale in Female Students

hanie ojaghizadeh ¹ ( M. Sc., Department of General Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. )
fakhrossadat Ghoreyshi Rad ² ( Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. )
rahim yousefi ³ ( Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. )

Submited date : 2024-09-16 Accepted date : 2026-04-14

Keywords: Cinderella Syndrome, Gender Role, Gender Stereotype, Psychometric Properties, Female Students,

Abstract :

Introduction: Cinderella Syndrome refers to a pattern of dependency-oriented beliefs and attitudes that are largely shaped by traditional gender stereotypes and may hinder women’s psychological autonomy and personal growth. Given the cultural sensitivity of this construct, the availability of culturally adapted and psychometrically sound instruments is essential. The present study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and examine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cinderella Syndrome Scale among Iranian female university students.

Method: This descriptive-correlational psychometric study was conducted on a sample of 406 female students from the University of Guilan during the 2020–2021 academic year, selected through purposive sampling. Following translation and back-translation procedures, face and content validity were evaluated by experts. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent validity was examined through correlations with the Dependent Personality Inventory and the Interpersonal Dependency Scale. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and test–retest method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25 and LISREL-10 software.

Results: Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure consisting of gender attitude, irresponsibility, and job abandonment, accounting for 43% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit for the three-factor model (RMSEA = 0.02, CFI = 0.95). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.77 to 0.82 for the subscales and were 0.72 for the total scale. Significant positive correlations were found between Cinderella Syndrome scores and measures of dependent personality and interpersonal dependency, supporting convergent validity.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Persian version of the Cinderella Syndrome Scale has acceptable reliability and validity and can be used as a reliable instrument for assessing Cinderella Syndrome in Iranian research and clinical settings.

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