Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Early Life Experiences Scale (ELES)

Background: Early relationships with parents and their influence on the development of psychopathology have been a topic of interest from different theoretical approaches. Early-life experiences have long-term distributive effects on children's psychological and behavioral development. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Early Life Experiences Scale (ELES). Methods: For developing the Persian version of the ELES, the original scale was translated, reconciled, and back-translated. A sample of 231 students from Iran University of Medical Sciences selected by convenience sampling method in 2019 - 2020 responded to the questionnaires, namely the ELES, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Schizotypal Trait questionnaire-B form (STB), and Self-compassion Scale (SCS) Short-Form. The construct validity of the ELES was determined via confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (two-week interval) were applied to evaluate the reliability. Data analysis was performed using LISREL (version 8.80) and SSPS (version 20) software. Results: The results showed that the ELES is a reliable and valid tool with good internal consistency and test-retest reliability (> 0.70). Concerning convergent validity, ELES showed a significant positive correlation with DERS (r = 0.26) and STB (r = 0.37). It also showed a significant negative relationship with self-compassion (r = 0.45), which indicates the desired divergent validity. The results support the three-factor structure of this scale (submissiveness, feeling valued/unvalued, and feeling threatened) (comparative fit index (CFI): 0.96, normed fit index (NFI): 0.95, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA): 0.08). Conclusions: The early life experiences scale showed adequate validity and reliability and can be applied in evaluating early life experiences in the Iranian population.