Psychometric Properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) in Spanish Adolescents

Abstract

To date, few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) in a large adolescent community sample, finding a significant disparity. This study explores the fit of different models for the factor structure of the CD-RISC among Spanish adolescents. Additionally, Rasch analysis, measurement invariance (MI), and differential item functioning (DIF) across sex were conducted on the model with the best fit. Internal reliability and criterion validity of the best CD-RISC model with mental health outcomes were also examined. 463 adolescents (231 girls), aged 12 to 18 years, completed the CD-RISC and other measures on emotional status and quality of life. Campbell‐Sills and Stein’s unidimensional CD-RISC-10 was the model displaying the best fit, providing an adequate item fit, supporting MI and DIF-free across sex, and showing strong associations with health-related quality of life, major depressive disorder symptoms, and emotional symptoms. A weak association was found between resilience and the male sex. Campbell‐Sills and Stein’s CD-RISC-10 model emerges as the best to assess resilience among Spanish adolescents, as already reported in adults. Thus, independently of the developmental stage, the core of resilience may reside in the aspects of hardiness and persistence.