Validation of the Japanese version of the recovery experience questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to validate the Japanese version of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ-J), which assesses how individuals unwind and recuperate from work during leisure time (i.e., psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery and control). METHODS The translated and back-translated REQ was administered via the Internet to 2,520 Japanese employees from various occupations. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate factorial validity. The relationship with potential predictors and consequences of recovery experiences were investigated to evaluate construct validity. Internal consistency was examined to evaluate its reliability. RESULTS A series of confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the hypothesized four-factor model fit the data best. Construct validity was generally supported by expected correlations of recovery experiences with possible predictors and consequences. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each of the four subscales was sufficient (0.85-0.89). CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that the REQ-J is an adequate measure of recovery experiences that can be used in the Japanese context.