Development and Validation of the New Version of Spirituality Assessment Scale

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a new version of Spirituality Assessment Scale (N-SAS) and verify its reliability and validity. Methods: The total of 59 preliminary items for the N-SAS were selected through a literature review, two rounds of experts&apos; content validation, cognitive interviews, and pre-tests. Verification of its reliability and validity was divided into two phases. In Phase I, questionnaires were collected from 219 adults. Reliability was tested using Cronbach&apos;s alpha, validity with item analysis, and exploratory factor analysis. In Phase II, questionnaires developed based on the results of Phase I were collected from 225 adults. Reliability was tested using Cronbach&apos;s alpha, validity with confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion validity. Results: The final version of the N-SAS comprised two dimensions (vertical and horizontal), four domains (relationship with God; meaning of life and self-integration; self-transcendence; and relationship with others, neighborhoods, and nature), and 44 items were identified. Total Cronbach&apos;s a was .97; those of each subscale ranged from .79 to .98. N-SAS scores were positively correlated with the scores of Howden&apos;s Spiritual Assessment Scale (r=.81, p<.001). Conclusion: Findings suggest that the N-SAS can be used to measure spirituality in adults. The use of N-SAS is expected to facilitate perceiving patient&apos;s spiritual needs and providing spiritual care.