Development and Validation of the Self-Acceptance Scale for Persons with Early Blindness: The SAS-EB

Author(s)

da Rocha Morgado, Fabiane Frota ^[1] ; Neves Betanho Campana, Angela Nogueira ^[2] ; Cunha Fernandes Tavares, Maria da Consolacao Gomes ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Phys Educ, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Sagrado Coracao Univ, Bauru, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 9, n. 9 SEP 30 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Investigations of self-acceptance are critical to understanding the development and maintenance of psychological health. However, valid and reliable instruments for measuring self-acceptance in persons with early blindness have yet to be developed. The current research describes three studies designed to develop and validate the Self-acceptance Scale for Persons with Early Blindness (SAS-EB). In Study 1, we developed the initial item pool. Thirty-three items were generated, based on data from specialized literature and from 2 focus groups. Items were organized in a three-factor structure, theoretically predicted for SAS-EB - (1) body acceptance, (2) self-protection from social stigmas, and (3) feeling and believing in one's capacities. In Study 2, information obtained from a panel of 9 experts and 22 persons with early blindness representing the target population was used to refine the initial item pool, generating a new pool of 27 items. In Study 3, 318 persons with early blindness (141 women and 177 men), between 18 and 60 years of age (M = 37.74 years, SD = 12.37) answered the new pool of 27 items. After the elimination of 9 items using confirmatory factor analysis, we confirmed the theoretical three-factor structure of the SAS-EB. Study 3 also provided support for the scale's internal consistency and construct validity. Finally, the psychometric properties of the SAS-EB, its utility, and its limitations are discussed along with considerations for future research. (AU)