Validation of the Chinese version of Underwood's Daily Spiritual Experience Scale--transcending cultural boundaries?
Siu-Man Ng, Ted C T Fong, Elaine Y L Tsui, Friendly S W Au-Yeung, Sally K W Law
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine January 1, 2009 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-009-9045-5 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA Chinese version of the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES-C) was developed and evaluated in a sample of 245 staff at a large rehabilitation service complex. The translated 16-item scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97) and a factor structure similar to the original English version. Construct validity was supported by correlations with validation scales in expected directions. The term 'God' required an extended definition to fit Chinese cultural concepts of a higher power. The psychometric properties of DSES-C were comparable to the English version, supporting its transcultural applicability for measuring daily spiritual experience.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 245 |
| Population | Staff of a large rehabilitation service complex |
| Key finding | The Chinese version of the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale demonstrated high internal consistency and construct validity, with a factor structure similar to the original English version. |
Abstract
Daily spiritual experience (DSE) refers to one's interaction with the transcendent in day-to-day life. Underwood's Daily Spiritual Experience Scale mic(DSES) was developed to measure this experiential component of religiousness and spirituality. Addressing ordinary daily experiences rather than particular beliefs, DSES has transcultural applicability potential. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate the Chinese version of DSES (DSES-C). The 16-item scale was translated faithfully through standard translation/back-translation procedures. The term "God" required an extended definition embracing both a humanized and a philosophical higher power in Chinese culture. The translated scale plus a battery of validation scales were administered to staff of a large rehabilitation service complex, resulting in 245 completed questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a similar factor structure as the original English version and similar problems with items 13 (compassion) and 14 (mercy). After carefully deliberating on the Chinese conceptualization of spirituality and balancing psychometric properties, the one-factor 16-item structure of the English version was supported. DSES-C showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97). Construct validity was supported by correlations with validation scales in expected directions. The psychometric properties of DSES were similar to the English version in factor structure, internal consistency, and convergence/divergence construct validity.