Australian Journal of Psychology (Jun 2019)

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist: An investigation with culturally and linguistically diverse youth in Australia

  • Nigar G. Khawaja,
  • Clare Pekin,
  • Robert D. Schweitzer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/ajpy.12221
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 71, no. 2
pp. 137 – 145

Abstract

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Background The factor structure and psychometric properties of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL‐30), a derivative of the symptom checklist developed by Derogatis et al. in 1974, is investigated for the first time in a sample of Australian culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) youth. Methods CALD youth (N = 241) completed the checklist with the help of an interpreter. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted and psychometric properties tested. Results Compared to the longer version, a 16‐item unidimensional factor structured emerged as the best solution. It was labelled as Hopkins Symptom Checklist–CALD Youth (HSCL‐Y). The items are internally consistent (α = .91). Convergent, divergent and discriminant validity is supported. The HSCL‐Y positively correlated with measures of emotional symptoms and acculturative stress. The 16‐item measure was negatively correlated with measures of well‐being and differentiated a sample with high emotional reaction from those who did not endorse any emotional experience. Conclusion The new HSCL‐Y was found to be a psychometrically sound instrument in this sample of CALD youth, with potential clinical utility in school samples to screen for psychological distress.

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