Assessing validity and reliability of the Benefit Finding Scale in Italian people with multiple sclerosis and their caregivers

TL;DR

This study confirms that the Benefit Finding Scale is a reliable and valid tool for measuring positive outcomes in Italian people with multiple sclerosis and their caregivers.

Contribution

The study establishes the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the Benefit Finding Scale in a specific patient-caregiver population.

Findings

The three-factor structure of the BFS showed good fit and measurement invariance between patients and caregivers.

The BFS demonstrated strong convergent/divergent validity and good internal consistency across its subscales.

The BFS is a valid and reliable measure for assessing benefit finding in Italian multiple sclerosis patients and caregivers.

Abstract

The Benefit Finding Scale (BFS) is a 17-item measure assessing the perception of positive contributions to one’s life deriving from stressful and life-threatening conditions such as illnesses. We aimed to investigate construct validity (structural validity, measurement invariance between sub-samples, and convergent/divergent validity) and reliability (internal consistency) of the Italian version of the BFS in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and their caregivers.

We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess structural validity in terms of the proposed three-factor structure of the BFS. We performed multi-group CFA to assess measurement invariance between PwMS and their caregivers. To assess convergent/divergent validity, we calculated correlations of the BFS subscales with instruments measuring affect (PANAS), life satisfaction (SWLS), social support (MSPSS), depression (BDI-II), and quality of life (SF-36 and MSQoL-54). To appraise internal consistency, we calculated Cronbach’s alpha.

A total of 1359 PwMS and their caregivers completed the study. The three-factor structure of the BFS showed good fit (RMSEA 0.06; CFI 0.92; SRMR 0.05). Configural, metric and scalar invariance were confirmed. Convergent/divergent validity was supported. The BFS showed good internal consistency for ‘Acceptance and adjustment’ (alpha 0.82), ‘Family relations and sense of connectedness’ (alpha 0.84) and ‘Personal growth and authenticity’ (alpha 0.85).

Results support the BFS as a valid and invariant three-factor measure of benefit finding among Italian PwMS and their caregivers. This scale use in clinical practice could help health professionals track participants’ experience of positive changes under adverse circumstances, as assets in managing stress and promoting illness adjustment.

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