Psychometric properties of a brief, self-report measure of social inclusion: the F-SIM16

Abstract

Aims A disproportionate number of people with mental ill-health experience social exclusion. Appropriate measurement tools are required to progress opportunities to improve social inclusion. We have developed a novel measure, the Filia Social Inclusion Measure (F-SIM). Here we aimed to present a more concise, easy-to-use form, while retaining its measurement integrity by (i) refining the F-SIM using traditional and contemporary item-reduction techniques; and (ii) testing the psychometric properties of the reduced measure. Methods Five hundred and six participants completed the F-SIM, younger and older groups of people with serious mental illness (including psychosis, mood, anxiety disorders) and same-aged community counterparts. The F-SIM was completed at baseline and 2-week follow-up, alongside other measures (including social inclusion, loneliness). The F-SIM was refined using multidimensional scaling network analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory. The psychometric evaluation included assessment of dimensionality, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, discriminant ability and construct validity. Results The F-SIM was reduced from 135-items to 16; with 4-items in each domain of housing and neighbourhood, finances, employment and education and social participation and relationships. Psychometric properties were sound, including strong internal consistency within domains (all α > 0.85) and excellent overall (α = 0.92). Test–retest reliability was also high (γ = 0.90). Differences between groups were observed; clinical subgroups consistently reported lower levels of social inclusion compared to community counterparts. Conclusions The F-SIM16 is a sound, reliable, brief self-report measure of social inclusion suitable for use in clinical and research settings. It has the potential to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and aid in fostering targeted and personalised needs-based care.

Accelerating youth mental health services research

“…Using large samples made available through the headspace centre network, our research has provided psychometric evidence for existing measures while also developing new measures to address the gaps. We have examined the psychometric properties of current measures, such as the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), 17 and developed a new measure of social inclusion (F-SIM16), 20,21 neuropsychological symptoms, 22 and suicidal ideation. 23 headspace has also developed a youth-specific ROM for quality of life (MyLifeTracker).…”

Interrelationships between social exclusion, mental health and wellbeing in adolescents: insights from a national Youth Survey

“…Social Exclusion. To operationalise social exclusion using variables from the survey, we created indices of four domains of social exclusion previously identified as key 16 : relational difficulties, financial hardship, housing challenges and edu-employment issues.…”

Help-seeking experiences and barriers to mental health support for adolescents experiencing mental ill-health and social exclusion

“…The study was also limited by use of an existing dataset drawn from a survey designed to reflect a range of issues for young people, albeit from a very large sample. Our measures of social inclusion were also limited, and future studies should consider using validated tools such as the F-SIM16, which offers a more comprehensive and consistent measure of social inclusion 33 . Prospective longitudinal studies with validated measures and mixed-methods approaches may provide a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics between social exclusion, mental health and help-seeking behaviours.…”