Cognitive functioning self-assessment scale (CFSS): preliminary psychometric data

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive functioning is integral to quality of life, yet difficulties are often unrecognized.
• Limited validated self-report tools exist for assessing cognitive function in non-clinical populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Cognitive Functioning Self-Assessment Scale (CFSS), a novel self-report instrument.
• To evaluate the CFSS for measuring individual cognitive functioning in the general population.

Main Methods:

• The CFSS comprises 18 items rated on a five-point scale.
• Two hundred eighty-two general practice patients completed the CFSS and a demographic/clinical data form.
• Exploratory factor analysis (principal component analysis) and internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) were used.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis supported a one-dimensional structure for the CFSS.
• The scale demonstrated good internal reliability (alpha = 0.856).
• Women reported significantly lower cognitive functioning than men; age, illness, or medication did not show significant differences.

Conclusions:

• The CFSS is a potentially valuable and promising self-report measure for assessing cognitive functioning in the general population.
• The findings highlight gender differences in self-perceived cognitive function.
• Further validation studies are warranted to confirm the CFSS's utility.