Psychometric properties of the Somatic Complaints Scale in Spanish children and adults

The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Somatic Complaints List (SCL) in Spanish child and adult populations. This instrument assesses the frequency with which people experience and feel pain such as stomach ache and headache, among others. It has been validated in different countries and languages (Dutch, English, and Persian), showing adequate psychometric properties. Nevertheless, it has never been validated in a Spanish context.

For the adaptation and validation, we used two different samples: 1423 children, age ranging from 8 to 12 years old, selected from 12 primary and secondary schools at 7 locations in the Valencian Community, Spain (age = 9.11 years, SD = 1.27; 52.4% female); and 940 adults, age ranging from 18 to 56 years old (age = 32.3 years, SD = 11.62; 64% female).

The Spanish adaptation of the SLC showed adequate levels of reliability and validity.

The empirical evidence seems sufficient to justify using this diagnostic tool with Spanish children and adults.