A test of the psychometric properties of the cancer locus of control scale in Greek patients with advanced cancer.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Cancer Locus of Control (CLOC) scale on a Greek sample of advanced cancer patients.

METHODS:

The scale was translated with the forward-backward procedure to Greek. The CLOC scale was administered to 140 advanced cancer patients. It was administered twice, with a 3-day interval, to 100 (of the 140) eligible patients with advanced cancer. Together with the CLOC scale, the patients also completed the Greek Mental Adjustment to Cancer (G-MAC) scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out using the AMOS 7.0 analysis. The reliability was assessed by the internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficients), test-retest (Spearman's r value) of the instrument, and inter-item correlations. Construct validity was assessed using the G-MAC scale, interscale correlations, item-scale correlations, and scales-total correlations.

RESULTS:

The homogeneity of the subscales proved to be satisfactory (α coefficient ranged from 0.713 to 0.786). Overall test-retest reliability was satisfactory at p < 0.0005. Construct validity has shown moderate correlations with G-MAC p < 0.0005. Interscale and inter-item correlations were satisfactory at p < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results suggest that the Greek version of CLOC administered in cancer patients treated in a palliative care unit is a reliable and valid clinical instrument.

• Authors: Kyriaki Mystakidou, Eleni Tsilika, Efi Parpa, Irene Panagiotou, Antonis Galanos, Athanasios Gouliamos, Maggie Watson
• Journal: Psycho-oncology (Psychooncology) Vol. 21 Issue 11 Pg. 1215-21 (Nov 2012) ISSN: 1099-1611 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21726016 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Topics

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Factor Analysis, Statistical
• Female
• Greece
• Humans
• Internal-External Control
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging
• Neoplasms (psychology)
• Palliative Care
• Psychometrics (methods)
• Reproducibility of Results
• Severity of Illness Index
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Translating