Development of a Questionnaire to Measure Resilience in Children with Chronic Diseases

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a Korean questionnaire to measure resilience in children with chronic illness. Methods: Item construction was drawn from an extensive review of the literature, existing questionnaires and interviews with parents. Content validity was tested by experts. To further refine the questionnaire and test its reliability and validity, data were collected from the 202 children with asthma, diabetes mellitus or nephrotic syndrome. Corrected items were used to total correlation coefficient and test-retest reliability. Questionnaire testing was conducted using factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and correlation coefficients. Validity of the questionnaire was tested using internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion-related validity. Results: Components of the questionnaire were in three domains; interpersonal characteristics, characteristics of coping, and intrapersonal characteristics. Factor analysis is showed five factors; positive self-understanding, self-reliance, resourcefulness, perception of positive family relationships, and intimacy. The questionnaire showed a high internal consistency. A significant positive correlation with the Numerical Rating Score and negative correlation with the Child Depression Inventory support the validity of the questionnaire. Conclusion: This instrument demonstrated high reliability and validity. Therefore, this instrument can contribute to the evaluation of resilience of chronically ill children and to any subsequent intervention as well as to develop a theory for resilience.