Validation of the SCL-27 in Argentinean general and clinical population

This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of the SCL-27 scale (Sympton Checklist-27) to be used in Argentinean general and clinical populations and its comparison with the SCL-90R. An intentional sample of 400 participants from general population and a sample of 85 patients attending outpatient psychological treatment were used. The SCL-27, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form scale, the CES-D depression scale, the Schaffer somatic symptoms scale and the Satisfaction with life scale were administered. The results indicated that the SCL-27 shows a very high correlation in all its dimensions with the original SCL-90-R scale. It had a high convergent validity with measures of depression and somatic symptoms and moderate and inverse correlation with measures of well-being. The reliability was adequate in its dimensions and excellent in the Global Severity Index. The scale scores clearly differentiated between the general population and the clinical population. The results of this study let us recommend the use of the Global Severity Index of the SCL-27 as a general measure of psychological disorders.