Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Grief Impairment Scale

Abstract

This study validated a Persian translation of the Grief Impairment Scale (GIS) in a sample of 548 grieving Iranian adults. Researchers recruited participants online using convenience and targeted sampling and asked them to complete the GIS and other measures. Of the 548 participants, 150 completed the scales again at Time 2 after one month using anonymous identifiers. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensionality of the Persian GIS. Measurement invariance held across gender. The GIS demonstrated good internal consistency (ω = .86) and test–retest reliability (ICC =.842). Convergent validity was evidenced by strong correlations with measures of prolonged grief and functional impairment. Divergent validity was supported by weaker correlations with anxiety and depression. A cut-score of ≥ 7 yielded good sensitivity (87%) and specificity (71%) in identifying those with significant functional impairment from grief. The Persian GIS demonstrated excellent psychometric properties as a brief tool for assessing grief-related impairment.

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate all the people who helped us with the planning of the study and the data collection and the men and women who voluntarily participated in this study. We also appreciate Nazanin Hoseinkhani for reviewing and revising the final draft of the current study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated during and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study benefited from the support of the Iran University of Medical Sciences by Grant No. 1401-3-15-24614.