Reliability Testing and Validation of the Drug Attitude Scale

Abstract

This study was designed to provide reliability testing and validity information of the Drug Attitude Scale (DAS). One hundred twenty-eight subjects were drawn from a residential substance abuse treatment program within a community mental health center. Seventy-five percent of the subjects were males and 25% were females. Age ranged from 18 to 58 years. For the entire sample, coefficient alpha was found to be 0.87. Reliability estimates for the two subscales were also found to be quite similar. Clinical construct validity utilizing factor analysis strongly support the two-dimensional nature of the DAS and the accuracy of the instrument's scoring key. Initial testing of the DAS suggests that the scale represent a useful addition to the area of substance user assessment and rehabilitation.

Keywords:

• attitudes
• Drug Attitude Scale
• substance use and misuse

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephen N. Campbell

Dr. Stephen N. Campbell is an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Center for Psychological Studies in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Campbell has studied the problems of alcohol and drug abuse and the various methods of treatment for over 27 years. He also has special interest in serious and persistent mental illness, cultural dynamics as it relates to treatment, and conduct disorder. His present research includes dual diagnosis, cross-cultural studies, eating disorders, attitudes towards substance abuse, and child and adolescent developmental disorders.

Annie Chang

Annie Chang is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology in the Center for Psychological Studies at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been involved in researching drug attitudes of subjects in Taiwan. She also has a Masters Degree in Experimental Psychology and has conducted research in Neuropsychology.