Reliability and validity of the RS14 in orphaned and separated adolescents and youths in western Kenya

Abstract

Purpose The 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. Methods Survey 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. Results Resilience 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). Conclusion This study demonstrates reasonable evidence that the RS14 is both valid and reliable for measuring psychological resilience in the population of OSAY in western Kenya.

Resilience Scale (RS-14): Psychometric Study in a Population of Young People from Lima and Callao

“…92, similar to the data reported byChen et al (2020) with a CFI and TLI of .95. In addition, the SRMR index and RMSEA reached a score of .04, Quiroz, Salvador, Casas, Rosalía, Gálvez, comparable to the results obtained bySutherland et al (2020) with a score of <.05, and in the case of the RMSEA, similar to the study byPascoe et al (2018) with a value of .06.Finally, reliability was evaluated through the coefficients α= .91 and ω=.92, values that resemble those found bySutherland et al (2020) andChen et al (2020), with .90 and .91, respectively. It should be noted that the RS-14 Alpha in the original model ofWagnild (2009) ranges between .91 and .94, while in the model adapted by Sanchez and Robles (2014) it was .79.…”

“…The Resilience Scale (RS-14) is a construct available in several languages, including the study by Chen et al (2020), who conducted the first assessment of psychometric characteristics in young adults in mainland China, demonstrating adequate structural and correlational validity. In addition, Sutherland et al (2020) sought to validate the RS14 instrument to measure psychological resilience in the Kenyan OSAY population, demonstrating its validity and accuracy. Similarly, Surzykiewicz et al (2019) examined and evaluated psychometric properties in Polish translation, concluding that RS-14 is a valid and useful tool for estimating resilience in different groups of Polish adolescents, including those with special needs and young adults.…”

“…After an exhaustive review, including studies such as those bySutherland et al (2020), Surzykiewicz et al (2019), Cénat et al (2018) and Pascoe et al (2018), evidence was obtained to support the validity and reliability of the instrument to measure resilience in young people in Lima and Callao.…”