Volume 18, Issue 3
Psychometric Properties of the Symptom Checklist Revised (SCL-90-R) in Clinical Population
Abstract
The SCL-90-R is a useful instrument to assess psychological symptoms and distress. However, in Argentina there are no studies assessing its performance in clinical populations. The present study provides evidence of its psychometric properties, and secondly, presents normative data in an Argentinean clinical population. We used a convenience sample of 570 participants who were demanding psychotherapy. The SCL-90-R was administered as part of the general admission process. The data were analyzed with the SPSS and the ViSta statistical systems. Results indicate good levels of internal consistency for all the scales (Cronbach's Alpha from .72 to .86) as well as for the general index (Cronbach's Alpha: .96). Gender differences were significant in Somatization, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety and in the general indexes. We provide normative data by gender. These norms could be useful for interpreting SCL-90-R scores in clinical settings. Preliminary evidence from the present study suggests the good performance of the SCL90-R in an Argentinean clinical population.
Keywords
SCL-90-R, distress, symptoms y psychological assessment