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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Published in:

01-06-2009

Validation of the Chinese Version of Underwood’s Daily Spiritual Experience Scale—Transcending Cultural Boundaries?

Authors: Siu-Man Ng, Ted C. T. Fong, Elaine Y. L. Tsui, Friendly S. W. Au-Yeung, Sally K. W. Law

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2009

Abstract

Background

Daily spiritual experience (DSE) refers to one’s interaction with the transcendent in day-to-day life. Underwood’s Daily Spiritual Experience Scale mic(DSES) was developed to measure this experiential component of religiousness and spirituality. Addressing ordinary daily experiences rather than particular beliefs, DSES has transcultural applicability potential.

Purpose

The current study aimed to develop and evaluate the Chinese version of DSES (DSES-C).

Method

The 16-item scale was translated faithfully through standard translation/back-translation procedures. The term “God” required an extended definition embracing both a humanized and a philosophical higher power in Chinese culture. The translated scale plus a battery of validation scales were administered to staff of a large rehabilitation service complex, resulting in 245 completed questionnaires.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed a similar factor structure as the original English version and similar problems with items 13 (compassion) and 14 (mercy). After carefully deliberating on the Chinese conceptualization of spirituality and balancing psychometric properties, the one-factor 16-item structure of the English version was supported. DSES-C showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.97). Construct validity was supported by correlations with validation scales in expected directions.

Conclusion

The psychometric properties of DSES were similar to the English version in factor structure, internal consistency, and convergence/divergence construct validity.

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Title: Validation of the Chinese Version of Underwood’s Daily Spiritual Experience Scale—Transcending Cultural Boundaries?
Authors: Siu-Man Ng
Ted C. T. Fong
Elaine Y. L. Tsui
Friendly S. W. Au-Yeung
Sally K. W. Law
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-009-9045-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Validation of the Chinese Version of Underwood’s Daily Spiritual Experience Scale—Transcending Cultural Boundaries?

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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