Translation, contextual adaptation, and preliminary evaluation of INCRESE-Norwegian Young

The mental health of young people is a global concern. Norway has seen a rise in mental health challenges among young individuals in recent decades, including both Sámi and non-Sámi youth. Culturally responsive and accessible mental health interventions are needed. The NEON Young Norway Study investigates the use of mental health recovery narratives as a low threshold intervention. To engage in recovery narratives mostly have beneficial impact, however, there is also a risk of triggering harmful behavior, which is why safe use of narratives requires careful analysis. For this reason, the Inventory of the Characteristics of REcovery StoriEs (INCRESE) has been developed in English. Our aim was to translate, contextually adapt, and to preliminary evaluate INCRESE for use among young people in Norway.

INCRESE was translated into Norwegian using the UPSIDES proportionate translation methodology. Contextual adaptation was carried out in collaboration with cultural experts and young individuals with lived experience. For reliability assessment, five coders independently coded 32 narratives (whereof 6 Sámi) twice, with a two-week interval between assessments. Test-retest reliability was assessed with Cohen's kappa and interrater reliability with Gwet's AC1, with scores above 0.40 considered acceptable. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed qualitatively.

Multiple adaptations were required to ensure contextual fit for both general Norwegian and Sámi youth. Test-retest reliability (Cohen's K) was moderate, with a mean κ = 0.59 (SD = 0.27; range -0.02 to 1.00). Mean percentage agreement between the two rating rounds was 90.7% (SD = 10.03). Interrater reliability (Gwet's AC1) ranged from 0.36 (fair) to 1.00 (perfect) per item, mean AC1 0.86 (SD = 0.14), and with a mean percentual agreement of 72.8% (SD = 26.64). Reliability varied considerably between items. Coders generally found INCRESE-NY feasible and acceptable and provided suggestions for further refinement.

INCRESE-NY showed overall acceptable reliability for characterizing recovery narratives produced by young Norwegians, including Sámi youth. The adapted inventory appears promising as a tool that can support the safe and systematic use of recovery narratives in youth mental health contexts. However, further refinement is needed to examine its conceptual, cultural and practical applicability.