Reliability and Validity of the Norwegian Family Sense of Coherence Scale

Aims and Objectives: To investigate reliability and validity of the translated Norwegian version of the Family Sense of Coherence scale. Background: The Family Sense of Coherence scale measures the global sense of coherence in families and might help health professionals to identify vulnerable families and to facilitate the strengthening of coping strategies in families. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: In total, 264 parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and 157 parents of children in secondary schools in three municipalities responded to a questionnaire regarding the characteristics of the parent and the child, with four scales: Family Sense of Coherence, Sense of Coherence, Family Assessment Device and Well-being. Statistics with Cronbach alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to establish the reliability and validity of the scale. Results: Internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha was acceptable and test-retest reliability with intra-class correlation coefficient was sufficient. Known-groups test revealed statistical differences between the two groups of parents as pre-considered and significant correlations between Family Sense of Coherence and Sense of Coherence, Family Assessment Device and Well-being were found. Conclusion: The Norwegian version of Family Sense of Coherence scale can be considered as reliable and valid for the studied population. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The Family Sense of Coherence scale appears to be an appropriate instrument for evaluating and assessing to find vulnerable families who are in need of interventions strengthening the family’s resources.