MacDonell, Gail V., Marsh, Nigel V., Hine, Donald W., and Bhullar, Navjot (2010) Development and psychometric evaluation of a measure to assess distress in partners of Australian combat veterans. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 44 (9). pp. 839-845.

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a multidimensional measure of distress experienced by partners of Australian combat veterans. Method: The Partners of Veterans Distress Scale (POV-DS) was developed using factor analysis on a sample of 665 female members of Partners of Veterans Association of Australia. Content validity for the scale was established by using focus groups and expert feedback during item development phase. In addition, two self-report inventories were administered to assess physical/mental health, and satisfaction with life. Results: Following principal-axis factoring, 45 items were retained, loading on seven distinct but correlated factors: Sleep problems, Hyper-vigilance, Social isolation, Financial problems, Intimacy problems, Exhaustion, and Negative affect. The factor structure was cross-validated using confirmatory factor analysis on a hold-out sample. The distress subscales all exhibited excellent internal consistency (alpha s ranged from 0.84 to 0.95). Validation analyses revealed subscales derived from the seven-factor model explained 31% to 45% of the variance in partners' physical health, mental health, and satisfaction with life. Conclusions: The study found that the POV-DS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing distress in partners of Australian combat veterans.

Item ID:	23033
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1440-1614
Keywords:	distress, partners of combat veterans, psychosocial functioning, scale development
Copyright Information:	© 2010 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Date Deposited:	15 Aug 2012 06:03
FoR Codes:	17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9299 Other Health > 929999 Health not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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