Reliability and validity of the self-reporting questionnaire for assessing mental health applied in Wenchuan earthquake

Abstract

To detect the reliability and validity of the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20), and to make a rapid assessment on mental health among victims in sudden crisis. The SRQ-20 which is on appendix of the Ministry of Health adopted as "emergency psychological crisis intervention guiding principles" was administrated among 1222 victims in Wenchuan earthquake. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested by split-half coefficient and Cronbach's alpha coefficient; the validity was tested by means of principal component factor analysis. The self-reporting questionnaire and split-half coefficient was 0.748, each item of Cronbach's alpha in the reliability coefficient was between in 0.778 to 0.789, overall Cronbach's alpha in the reliability coefficient was 0.792. There were five main components in principal component factor analysis: lacking of power, somatization/biological symptoms, depression thought, emotions and awareness. The self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20) should have good reliability, and validity, and China's psychological crisis intervention in processing assessment of the mental health should be a fast, accurate and effective screening tool.