Abstract
Purpose This study evaluates the dimensionality and differential item functioning of SCL-9S, a short version of the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), on patients in psychiatric care. Material and methods Based on the factor structure of the Swedish standardization and validation of the SCL-90-R, a nine-item index (SCL-9S) was developed consisting of the items most indicative for each of the nine subscales in SCL-90-R. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate the SCL-9S on a sample of 668 psychiatric outpatients and 167 inpatients across four Swedish regions. Results The evaluation revealed that the SCL-9S was unidimensional, the items represented different levels of severity across a general psychological distress dimension, and the scale showed equity (no differential items functioning) across gender and patient groups. Conclusion The SCL-9S is a fast, structurally valid, and reliable tool for screening general psychological distress among men and women in psychiatric in- and outpatient services, and in combination with other instruments, it will be useful in epidemiological studies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
