Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of DSM-5 Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scale (Child Form for 11-17 Years and Parent Form for 6-17 Years)

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish Version of DSM-5 Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scale’s child and parent forms. Method: The scale was constructed by carrying out the translation and back translation of DSM-5 Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scale. The study group consisted of a community and clinical sample. The scale was applied to 120 parents and 186 adolescents that represented the clinical and community sample. During the assessment process, Child Somatization Inventory was also used. Results: Reliability analyses indicated a high internal consistency regarding Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scales, for parent forms and acceptable internal consistency for child forms. In the meantime, it was shown that both child and parents form for Level 2 Somatization Symptom Scale were significantly correlated with Child Somatization Inventory. As for the content validity, five factors for child forms and three factors for parent forms were obtained and was observed to be consistent with the original construct of the scale. Conclusion: It was concluded that Turkish version of DSM-V Level 2 Somatic Symptom Scale was a valid and reliable tool to be utilized both for clinical practice and research purposes.