Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Abstract #302
A Validation Study of the Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) scale with a French-Canadian Sample
Presenter: Martine Hébert Co - Presenters:  Nathalie Parent, Caroline Simard, Odin Hjemdal
Abstract:
Resilience is a phenomenon reflecting positive adaptation despite the presence developmental threats such as adversity and trauma (Masten, 2001). It is particularly important for adolescents, thriving with developmental tasks of role and identity definition, who may be confronted with significant challenges and adverse life events. Although psychometrically sound measures are essential for theory development and clinical practice, measures of resilience in adolescence are scant. The Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) is a 28-item scale, declined in five dimensions: personal competence, social competence, structured style, family cohesion, and social resources (Hjemdal, Friborg, Stiles, Martinussen & Rosenvinge, 2006). The READ is a valid, reliable and practical instrument for resilience and risk prevention research. The present study aims at exploring the psychometric properties of the French Canadian version of the READ with a sample of 587 adolescents. The analysis of the psychometric properties of the translated scale includes exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency and convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supports the five-factor structure of the scale. Internal consistency score are found to be satisfactory, ranging from .69 (Structured style) to .92 (Family cohesion). Convergent validity of score from the READ is established by significant relationships with score from life satisfaction and self-esteem scales.