Evaluating the test-retest reliability of the chiropractic professional identity embodiment scale

The study evaluated the test-retest reliability of the scores obtained from the Chiropractic Professional Identity Embodiment Scale (CPIES), a brief self-report tool assessing professional identity in chiropractors and students.

Students were invited across all 4 year levels at a chiropractic college to complete an online survey featuring 15 CPIES statements rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The survey was administered twice, 4 weeks apart, with participants matched across time points using three sociodemographic identifiers. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 2-way mixed-effects model for absolute agreement.

Due to anonymous participation, the exact response rate could not be calculated; the estimated response rate was 24%. Of these respondents, 23 participants (35%) were matched across 2 time points. The CPIES sum score demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97). Most items demonstrated moderate reliability across assessments.

Data collected using the CPIES demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability, supporting its temporal stability. This provides further evidence to support use of the CPIES in research, education, and policy, when professional identity is increasingly recognized as a key competency.