Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist: An investigation with culturally and linguistically diverse youth in Australia

Background The factor structure and psychometric properties of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-30), a derivative of the symptom checklist developed by Derogatis et al. in 1974, is investigated for the first time in a sample of Australian culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) youth. Methods CALD youth (N = 241) completed the checklist with the help of an interpreter. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted and psychometric properties tested. Results Compared to the longer version, a 16-item unidimensional factor structured emerged as the best solution. It was labelled as Hopkins Symptom Checklist-CALD Youth (HSCL-Y). The items are internally consistent (alpha = .91). Convergent, divergent and discriminant validity is supported. The HSCL-Y positively correlated with measures of emotional symptoms and acculturative stress. The 16-item measure was negatively correlated with measures of well-being and differentiated a sample with high emotional reaction from those who did not endorse any emotional experience. Conclusion The new HSCL-Y was found to be a psychometrically sound instrument in this sample of CALD youth, with potential clinical utility in school samples to screen for psychological distress.