Testing the validity and reliability of the shame questionnaire among sexually abused girls in Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The aim of the current study is to test the validity and reliability of the Shame Questionnaire among traumatized girls in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

The Shame Questionnaire was validated through both classical test and item response theory methods. Internal reliability, criterion validity and construct validity were examined among a sample of 325 female children living in Zambia. Sub-analyses were conducted to examine differences in construct validity among girls who reported sexual abuse and girls who did not.

Results

All girls in the sample were sexually abused, but only 61.5% endorsed or reported that sexual abuse had occurred. Internal consistency was very good among the sample with alpha = .87. Criterion validity was demonstrated through a significant diffe

SUBMITTER: Michalopoulos LT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4399983 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature