Development and Validation of the Social Adjustment Scale for Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome in Taiwan

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study developed the psychometric properties of the social adjustment scale for adolescents with Tourette syndrome (SASATS). Design and methodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted. 346 adolescents with Tourette syndrome (TS) were purposively sampled from pediatric outpatient departments at two hospitals in Taiwan. The scale was developed through a phenomenological study of adolescents with TS and by reviewing the literature. The reliability analysis of the SASATS was performed using the corrected item-total correlations coefficients, Cronbach alpha coefficients, and test-retest correlations. An exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine the construct validity. ResultsThe content validity index of 0.89 was obtained, and acceptable model fit was achieved according to the explanatory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The final scale had 17- items and four factors: relationship between self and TS, academic performance, family relationship, and peer interaction. Acceptable values of 0.81 and 0.87 were obtained for the test-retest and internal consistency reliabilities, respectively. ConclusionsThe SASATS is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating social adjustment status in TS adolescents. Practice implicationsThe SASATS is easy to use and offers an effective scale for nurses and healthcare providers in clinical and academic settings. It can quickly measure and detect the psychological functioning of the social adjustment of adolescents with TS during interpersonal interactions. Moreover, interventions can be provided to improve adolescents' social adjustment and promote their mental health.