Psychometric evaluation of Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) among Iranian adolescents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since there is currently no specific instrument for measuring addiction to Social Network Systems (SNSs), in the Iranian adolescent users, the present study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) in Iranian students. After translating the long-form English version of the BFAS (18 items) into the Persian language (Farsi) and backward translation into English and comparing them, the Persian version was prepared for administration. A total of 345 students (14–18 years of age) constituted the research sample. The Random Cluster Sampling was employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS and package lavaan, in the R system for statistical computing. The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using the Principal Factor Analysis (PFA) and Promax Rotation showed that the questionnaire was composed of five factors, namely withdrawal, relapse, salience, conflict, and mood modification. These factors explained more than 63.09% of the total variance. The internal consistency of the items of the questionnaire using Cronbach’s Alpha method was 0.75. The correlation of each item with the total score of the test showed acceptable reliability. The test-retest reliability after 2 weeks of administrating the test was 0.86. The Farsi-BFAS is confirmed in Iranian youth due to good reliability and validity and is applicable for screening and investigating SNSs in the Iranian adolescent users. Additional studies are needed in cases of sensitivity and specificity when compared with other similar instruments for addiction as well as in different populations and circumstances.