Psychometric Testing of the Arabic Version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

Abstract

Background and PurposeThe Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), a reliable and valid 43-item scale, measures eight specific reasons as to why people reminisce. The current literature lacks an Arabic version of empirically-validated tools that measure reminiscence functions. This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the translated version of the RFS in a sample of Arabic speakers from Jordan.MethodsThe scale was first translated into Arabic and then was translated back into English. A committee of experts reviewed the Arabic scale and then confirmed its content validity. A convenience, snowball sample of 422 subjects completed the Arabic RFS. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the internal consistency method were used to evaluate the factorial structure and reliability of the Arab RFS, respectively.ResultsThe Arabic RFS reported excellent content validity. EFA yielded a six-factor, 39-item structure that accounted for 52% of the variance. Cronbach’s alphas for the six factors ranged from 0.82 to 0.91, indicating good to excellent internal consistency.ConclusionsThe Arabic RFS is a valid and reliable measure of reminiscence functions for Jordanian adults.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Arabic version of the reminiscence functions scale with strict measurement invariance across gender

“…Thus, the required sample size using this criterion for 39 items is at least 195 participants. To supplement this rule of thumb empirically, the sensitivity analysis conducted in Abu Khait et al (2021) confirmed that factor loadings were stable for an EFA until the sample size dropped below n = 350. Our goal was to achieve a sample size of 400 to meet both these criteria.…”

“…Following the multistep translation method from English to Arabic (Beaton et al, 2000; Brislin, 1970; Lee et al, 2008), the RFS was rigorously translated. This translation process has been described previously in the first attempt to verify the ARFS (Abu Khaitet al, 2021).…”

“…A CFA was then conducted using the “lavaan” package, with Cronbach's α values generated for each factor using the “psych” package. The CFA was conducted based on the factorial structure of prior psychometric work undertaken by Abu Khait et al (2021). Tests for measurement invariance of the CFA to gender were carried out with the “semTools” package, using a cutoff level of 0.05 for the relevant χ 2 model tests.…”

“…Jordan is primarily an Arabic‐speaking country that remains understudied. Abu Khait et al (2021) recommended cross‐validation of this scale with an independent sample of Jordanian adults using CFA to confirm the factorial structure of the ARFS. Although Abu Khait et al (2021) presented promising evidence on the utility of ARFS in Jordan, the factor structure and other psychometric qualities of ARFS still need to be confirmed.…”

“…Reminiscence functions are uniquely affected by personal factors and cultural background (e.g., age, gender, and ethnicity) (Fernández‐Pérez et al, 2019; Hofer et al, 2016; O'Rourke et al,; Shellman, 2016). Previous literature on the factorial structure of the RFS has shown that the RFS's factorial structure needs further examination due to the differences in these functions across cultures (Abu Khait et al, 2021; Lou & Choy, 2014; Ros et al, 2016). Accordingly, many researchers recommend more cross‐cultural research to predict reminiscence functions and examine the relationship between these functions and psychosocial health among different cultures (Cappeliez & Webster, 2017; Webster et al, 2010; Westerhof & Bohlmeijer, 2014).…”