Short Version of the Interaction Rating Scale Advanced (IRSA-Brief) as a Practical Index of Social Competence Development

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the short form of the Interaction Rating Scale Advanced (IRSA-Brief) as a practical index of social competence development. Fifty adults completed a five-minute interaction session and were assessed with the IRSA-Brief and IRSA. Health social professionals evaluated their social competence based on regular practical assessments. The results indicated that the IRSA-Brief scores had a moderately high correlation with the IRSA scores (r = 0.41) and the professionals’ practical evaluations (r = 0.72). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.84. As the IRSA-Brief can measure social competence with high validity and reliability, providing evidence of social competence development, it would be useful in practical settings to further assist with social competence development, support, and treatment.