Abstract:
Purpose
The 14-item Resilience Scale (RS14) is a tool designed to measure psychological resilience.
It has been used effectively in diverse populations. However, its applicability is largely
unknown for Sub-Saharan adolescent populations and completely unknown for orphaned
and separated adolescents and youths (OSAY), a highly vulnerable population for whom
resilience may be critical. This study assesses the RS14’s psychometric properties for
OSAY in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.
Methods
Survey responses from a representative sample of 1016 OSAY (51.3% female) aged 10–25
(mean = 16; SD = 3.5) living in institutional and home-based environments in Uasin Gishu
County were analyzed. The RS14’s psychometric properties were assessed by examining
internal consistency reliability, confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent validity using
correlations between resilience and each of social support and depression. Sub-analyses
were conducted by age and sex.
Results
Resilience scores ranged from 14–98 (mean = 66; SD = 19) with no sex-based significant
difference. Resilience was higher for those aged �18 (mean = 69; range = 14–98) versus
age <18 (mean = 65; range = 14–98). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s α = .90).
Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a 1-factor solution, though the model fit was onlymoderate. Resilience was positively correlated with social support in all ages (.22; p < .001)
and negatively correlated with depression in individuals age <18 (-.22; p < .001). The rela tionship between resilience and depression in individuals age �18 was statistically signifi cant only in females (-.17; p = .026).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates reasonable evidence that the RS14 is both valid and reliable for
measuring psychological resilience in the population of OSAY in western Kenya.