Clinimetric properties of the Chinese version of the subjective incompetence scale: an extended paradigm

ObjectivesThis is the first validation study to evaluate the measurement properties (i.e., construct, concurrent, incremental, and relative validity) and determine the clinical utility of the Chinese version of the 12-item subjective incompetence scale (SIS-12) based on the science of clinimetrics.MethodsConsecutive general hospital inpatients (n= 232) in the Departments of Neurology and Obstetrics & Gynecology were assessed for SIS-12, along with measures of anxiety, depression, stress levels, and demographic information. Mokken analysis was employed to evaluate construct validity, while relative validity was assessed through relative weight analysis.ResultsMokken analysis indicated inadequate construct validity for items 1, 4, 8, and 10, leading to the development of an 8-item version of the scale (SIS-8), which was found to have optimal scalability. The SIS-8 also entailed the clinimetric properties of concurrent validity, incremental validity, and relative validity.ConclusionThe findings of the present clinimetric validation indicate that the SIS-8 can potentially be used both as a screening measure for the early detection of individuals at increased risk for demoralization and as a dimensional measure to assess the severity of feelings of subjective incompetence. This dual utility suggests its relevance in both clinical research and practice, particularly in managing inpatients suffering from psychological distress.