The INSPIRE Support sub-scale: A critical view of the psychometric properties focusing on dimensionality

Abstract

The statistical methods previously used for assessing dimensionality of the INSPIRE Support sub-scale are often not valid, which may lead to inaccurate conclusions. The first aim of this paper was to present and discuss the methods for assessing the dimensionality of the scale. The second aim was to illustrate these methods using data from a Norwegian translation of the INSPIRE Support sub-scale. Exploratory factor analysis with several extraction and rotation methods was used to identify the dimensionality of the scale. Cronbach’s alpha and omega coefficient were employed to assess the internal consistency. Using the recognized statistical approach, there was no clear structure found in the Support sub-scale, indicating that the scale might be one-dimensional. While single items or sum score of the INSPIRE Support sub-scale might cover important aspects of the personal recovery concept, there is no evidence of the five CHIME dimensions of this scale as published earlier. A more thorough assessment is called for, and results from studies using the five dimensions should be interpreted with caution.