The Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale-translation and validation for the Portuguese language: a cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Health Psychology
• Cross-cultural Adaptation

Background:

• The Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale is a valuable tool for assessing cognitive abilities.
• Adapting and validating instruments across different languages and cultures is crucial for global research.
• Previous validation studies exist for the original English version.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate the Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale into Portuguese.
• To validate the translated scale in a representative Portuguese population.
• To ensure the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version are reliable.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Translation and back-translation of the Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale.
• Face-to-face administration to 301 Portuguese adults (aged 20+).
• Principal component analysis (PCA) for construct validity.
• Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency analysis.

Main Results:

• PCA identified two distinct components: problem-solving and decision-making, explaining 65.9% of the variance.
• The problem-solving component demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.931).
• The decision-making component also showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.951).

Conclusions:

• The Portuguese version of the Problem-Solving Decision-Making scale is a valid and reliable instrument.
• The scale effectively measures problem-solving and decision-making abilities in Portuguese speakers.
• This validated scale is suitable for use in future research and clinical practice in Portuguese-speaking populations.