Multidimensional scale for child sexual abuse (MSCSA): Development and psychometric properties

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Trauma Assessment
• Psychometric Scale Development

Background:

• Rising incidences of child sexual abuse (CSA) in India necessitate culturally relevant assessment tools.
• Existing trauma measures face challenges and lack indigenous development.
• A comprehensive impact assessment scale for CSA in children was conceptualized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and establish the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale for Children with Sexual Abuse (MSCSA).

Main Methods:

• Scale development involved qualitative theme identification, item pooling, expert validation, and pilot testing.
• The MSCSA was administered to 457 participants (200 with CSA, 150 controls).
• Exploratory factor analysis, reliability (Cronbach's α, split-half), and validity (convergent, divergent, discriminant) were assessed.

Main Results:

• The final 62-item scale spans 5 domains with high reliability (Cronbach's α=0.93, split-half=0.89).
• The scale demonstrated high content and discriminant validity, with satisfactory convergent and divergent validity.
• A cut-off score of 31 indicated high sensitivity for identifying CSA impact.

Conclusions:

• This psychometrically robust, self-rated scale is the first of its kind for young children with sexual abuse in Asia.
• Available in Hindi and English, the MSCSA provides a rapid assessment of multidimensional trauma functioning.
• The scale supports early identification and intervention for child sexual abuse survivors.