Translation and Validation of the Japanese Version of the Family Sense of Coherence Scale-Short Form in Nurses

Yuichi Nakayama,Motoko Hori,Tae Kawahara,Hikaru Sou,Akemi Yamazaki

doi:10.4236/ojn.2019.98067

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to translate the Family Sense of Coherence Scale-short form (FSOC-S) into a Japanese version (J-FSOC-S) for Japanese nurses and to evaluate its reliability and validity. Methods: First, we obtained permission to translate the FSOC-S from the original author and translated it into Japanese using the translation/back translation technique. Second, the J-FSOC-S was reviewed by a panel of experts in nursing research and practice, then, a validation survey was conducted. The internal consistency of the J-FSOC-S was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient. Test-retest reliability was examined through intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was investigated by measuring the correlation coefficients between the J-FSOC-S and Sense of Coherence (SOC) Scale (concurrent validity) and the Family Adaptability Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve Index (Family APGAR) (convergent validity). Results: A total of 374 nurses (valid response rate = 58.6%) were recruited from seven hospitals. Thirty-four participants completed the questionnaire twice at an interval of 2 - 4 weeks to test the reliability. The mean age of the participants was 35.0 years (SD = 7.6, range = 25 - 59). The mean years of experience as a registered nurse were 11.0 years (SD = 7.1, range = 5 - 36). Of the total number of participants, 53.7% had children. The J-FSOC-S showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.77). The J-FSOC-S correlated positively with the SOC Scale (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) and the Family APGAR (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The J-FSOC-S is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring family sense of coherence in Japan.

Highlights

Sense of coherence (SOC) reflects a person’s ability to cope with stressful situations in life
Family Sense of Coherence (FSOC) reflects the ability of families to cope with stress that they face as a group, and the FSOC Scale is used, for example, as a metric in interventional studies of protective factors against childhood obesity for low-income preschool children [4] and of families with a critically ill family member [5], and is used as a buffering factor for internalized stigma and health-related quality of life (QOL) in schizophrenia [6]
We developed a Japanese version of the FSOC Scale, which we trialed in 374 Japanese nurses

Summary

Introduction

Sense of coherence (SOC) reflects a person’s ability to cope with stressful situations in life. FSOC reflects the ability of families to cope with stress that they face as a group, and the FSOC Scale is used, for example, as a metric in interventional studies of protective factors against childhood obesity for low-income preschool children [4] and of families with a critically ill family member [5], and is used as a buffering factor for internalized stigma and health-related quality of life (QOL) in schizophrenia [6]. The total score in the short version ranges from 12 to 84 and a higher score reflects better perceptions of the coherence of family. The FSOC has been translated into Chinese [8], Turkish [9], and Norwegian [10] and its validity has been confirmed

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