Abstract
PurposeThe 14-item Resilience Scale (RS14) is a tool designed to measure psychological resilience. It has been used effectively in diverse populations. However, its applicability is largely unknown for Sub-Saharan adolescent populations and completely unknown for orphaned and separated adolescents and youths (OSAY), a highly vulnerable population for whom resilience may be critical. This study assesses the RS14’s psychometric properties for OSAY in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.MethodsSurvey responses from a representative sample of 1016 OSAY (51.3% female) aged 10–25 (mean = 16; SD = 3.5) living in institutional and home-based environments in Uasin Gishu County were analyzed. The RS14’s psychometric properties were assessed by examining internal consistency reliability, confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent validity using correlations between resilience and each of social support and depression. Sub-analyses were conducted by age and sex.ResultsResilience scores ranged from 14–98 (mean = 66; SD = 19) with no sex-based significant difference. Resilience was higher for those aged ≥18 (mean = 69; range = 14–98) versus age <18 (mean = 65; range = 14–98). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s α = .90). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a 1-factor solution, though the model fit was only moderate. Resilience was positively correlated with social support in all ages (.22; p < .001) and negatively correlated with depression in individuals age <18 (-.22; p < .001). The relationship between resilience and depression in individuals age ≥18 was statistically significant only in females (-.17; p = .026).ConclusionThis study demonstrates reasonable evidence that the RS14 is both valid and reliable for measuring psychological resilience in the population of OSAY in western Kenya.
Highlights
Resilience refers to an individual’s ability to recover from and adapt in the face of social disadvantage and highly adverse conditions [1]
The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
This study demonstrates reasonable evidence that the Resilience Scale (RS14) is both valid and reliable for measuring psychological resilience in the population of orphaned and separated adolescents and youths (OSAY) in western Kenya
Summary
Resilience refers to an individual’s ability to recover from and adapt in the face of social disadvantage and highly adverse conditions [1]. It is a psychological trait which has gained clinical relevance and prominence in health research. While early research considered resilience to be a relatively stable personality trait, newer studies have demonstrated that it can be developed over time via coping techniques that allow an individual to navigate crises effectively, maintaining optimism and balancing negative emotions with positive ones [1, 3]. It is a critical stage to develop resilience and positive coping mechanisms that optimize an individual’s ability to achieve success in life
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