Development and psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Inventory of Recovery Capital (MIRC)

Area of Science:

• Addiction Research
• Psychometrics
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Existing measures of recovery capital have theoretical and psychometric limitations.
• Recovery capital encompasses social, physical, human, and cultural resources vital for resolving substance use disorders.
• There is a need for a robust and validated instrument to assess these recovery resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Multidimensional Inventory of Recovery Capital (MIRC).
• To create a reliable and valid measure of recovery capital for individuals with a history of alcohol problems.
• To provide an accessible assessment tool for research and clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase, mixed-methods approach was employed for MIRC development.
• Qualitative feedback was gathered during item development with individuals in recovery.
• Pilot testing and final psychometric evaluation involved large sample sizes (n=497 and n=482, respectively).

Main Results:

• The final MIRC is a 28-item measure with four subscales: social, physical, human, and cultural capital.
• The MIRC and its subscales demonstrated sound to strong psychometric properties.
• High response variability indicated effective item discrimination.

Conclusions:

• The MIRC is a psychometrically strong instrument for assessing recovery capital.
• The development process highlighted the value of incorporating lived experience in measure creation.
• The MIRC is available at no cost for use in research, treatment, and community settings.