Psychometric properties of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised short form (SPSI-R-SF) for older adults using Rasch model analysis

The Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) is a widely used tool to assess social problem-solving. The psychometric properties of which have been evaluated using classic test theory. However, there is still a need to further validate the SPSI-R in its short form (SPSI-R-SF) using modern test theory. Here, the psychometric properties of the SPSI-R-SF were studied on a total of 410 older Spanish adults (309 women and 101 men) who completed this inventory and the data obtained was analysed using a Rasch model (RSM). The results revealed a good fit, local independency and unidimensionality for each of the five subscales of the SPSI-R-SF. Overall, there was moderate alignment between the items and persons in the distributions, with most items designed to assess individuals with abilities close to the mean across all dimensions. Therefore, the SPSI-R-SF is a valid and reliable tool to assess social problem-solving abilities in older Spanish adults.