Measuring Appraisals Following Acquired Spinal Cord Injury: A Preliminary Psychometric Analysis of the Appraisals of Disability

Objectives: The current study aimed to develop a reliable and valid appraisal scale (The Appraisals of DisAbility: Primary and Secondary Scale; ADAPSS) for adult spinal cord injury (SCI) populations. Method: Items for the ADAPSS were generated using themes and quotes from a qualitative study exploring appraisals made by individuals with SCI. The ADAPSS was administered with 2 additional appraisal measures, a measure of anxiety and depression, a measure of social desirability and demographic information. The study used a cross-sectional questionnaire design with a test-retest component, sampling community-based individuals with SCI. Data analysis was undertaken on 237 completed questionnaires. Results: Factor analysis revealed the ADAPSS to have a 6-factor structure and the following subscales identified: (a) Fearful Despondency, (b) Overwhelming Disbelief, (c) Determined Resolve, (d) Growth and Resilience, (e) Negative Perceptions of Disability, and (f) Personal Agency. Conclusion: Preliminary analyses suggest the ADAPSS demonstrates reasonable reliability and validity and has potential as a therapeutic outcome measure. Future research should focus on the relationship between appraisals identified on the ADAPSS and their relationship to the coping strategies that individuals employ and adjustment to SCI.