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Construction of outcome scales measuring addicts' community functioning
The International Journal of the Addictions
|September 1, 1977
Summary
This study developed reliable quantitative outcome scales for chemical abuse research. The new scales measure personal independence, chemical use, and job satisfaction, improving treatment outcome assessment.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Psychometrics
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Current chemical abuse research relies on unreliable cure rates.
- There is a need for dependable measures of treatment outcomes in chemical abuse.
- Quantitative scales are essential for objective assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct reliable and valid quantitative outcome scales for chemical abuse research.
- To establish objective measures beyond cure rates.
- To provide a framework for assessing treatment effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Development of 118 true-false items assessing changeable behaviors.
- Administration of items to 154 hospitalized chemical abusers and 93 staff members.
- Utilized clinical and factorial manipulation for item refinement.
Main Results:
- Derived three tentative scales comprising 41 items each.
- Scales include Personal/Economic Independence, Chemical Use, and Job Satisfaction.
- Demonstrated a method for creating valid quantitative outcome measures.
Conclusions:
- The developed scales offer a more reliable assessment of chemical abuse treatment outcomes.
- These scales can enhance the objectivity and validity of addiction research.
- Future research should validate and implement these quantitative measures.