This study aimed to develop a new scale entitled Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS) to assess fear of being touched in Pakistani adolescents. After the development of 10-items APS in Urdu language, a sample of the scale was completed by young individuals between the ages of 15 and 25. The 71 responders had an average age of 19.23±2.13 years. The mean APS score, when using the recommended scoring technique (10 to 50), was 30.53±7.92. A favorable result from the reliability analysis was obtained (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.80). A substantial positive association was found by convergent validity between APS and Touch Avoidance Measure scores (r = 0.451, P < 0.010). The study findings showed that APS as a reliable and valid measure to for assessment of fear of being touched in Pakistan.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Measures
- Results
- Descriptive findings
- Reliability
- Validity
- Discussion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aimed to develop and validate a new scale, the Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS), to assess the fear of being touched in Pakistani adolescents. The research investigated the reliability and validity of the newly created scale using psychometric testing methods.
- Development and validation of a new scale to measure aphenphosmphobia (fear of being touched).
- Assessment of the psychometric properties of the Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS), including reliability and validity.
- Exploration of the prevalence and characteristics of aphenphosmphobia among Pakistani adolescents.
- Examination of the relationship between aphenphosmphobia and touch avoidance.
- The importance of touch in human development and relationships.
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This study introduces the Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS), a 10-item scale designed to measure the fear of being touched in Pakistani adolescents. The study reports on the scale's development, its psychometric properties (reliability and validity), and preliminary findings on its application to a sample of young adults. The APS demonstrates good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80) and significant convergent validity with a pre-existing Touch Avoidance Measure. The results suggest the APS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing aphenphosmphobia in this population.
Introduction: This section provides background information on aphenphosmphobia (AP), highlighting its symptoms and the significance of touch in human communication, development, and well-being. The introduction emphasizes the crucial role of touch, particularly in early childhood, for establishing healthy attachments and socioemotional development. It also notes the potential negative consequences of touch avoidance or deprivation on various aspects of an individual's life, such as communication, relationships, and mental health. The study's aim to develop and validate a scale to assess AP in adolescents is clearly stated, setting the stage for the subsequent methodology and findings.
Methods: This chapter details the methodology used to develop and validate the APS. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. The scale items were developed in Urdu, the primary language of the target population. A process of expert review and pilot testing informed the final version of the scale. The sampling method involved recruiting participants from higher education institutions. The administration of the APS, along with the Touch Avoidance Measure (TAM-1), and the collection of demographic information are described. The chapter clearly outlines the procedures involved in the study's data collection and instrument development.
Measures: This section describes the Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS) and the Touch Avoidance Measure (TAM-1). The APS is a 10-item self-report scale with a 5-point Likert scale response format. The scoring system and interpretation of scores are explained. TAM-1, used for convergent validity analysis, is also described, including its psychometric properties. The inclusion of both scales allows for comparison and validation of the newly developed APS.
Results: This chapter presents the study's findings, organized into descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and validity analysis. Descriptive statistics present demographic information of the sample (n=71) and the mean scores on the APS and TAM-1. Reliability is assessed using Cronbach's alpha, yielding a high coefficient (0.81), indicating good internal consistency. The validity of the APS is examined through a correlation analysis with the TAM-1, revealing a significant positive correlation, supporting the convergent validity of the scale. Detailed tables present the statistical analysis in a clear and concise manner.
Discussion: This section discusses the implications of the study's findings. The successful development and validation of the APS are highlighted, along with its potential use in assessing aphenphosmphobia in adolescents. The results suggest a moderate level of fear of being touched in the sample, with a possible gender difference requiring further investigation due to the limited male sample size. The discussion emphasizes the significance of touch in personal and social relationships and connects the findings to existing literature on the importance of touch in human development and well-being.
Keywords
Aphenphosmphobia, haphephobia, fear of touch, touch avoidance, psychometrics, scale development, validation, adolescents, Pakistan, reliability, validity, cultural context, social interaction, mental health.
Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS): Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of this study?
This study aimed to develop and validate a new scale, the Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS), to measure the fear of being touched in Pakistani adolescents. The research investigated the reliability and validity of the newly created scale using psychometric testing methods.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the development and validation of a new scale to measure aphenphosmphobia, assessment of the scale's psychometric properties (reliability and validity), exploration of the prevalence and characteristics of aphenphosmphobia among Pakistani adolescents, examination of the relationship between aphenphosmphobia and touch avoidance, and the importance of touch in human development and relationships.
What is the Aphenphosmphobia Scale (APS)?
The APS is a 10-item self-report scale designed to measure the fear of being touched. It uses a 5-point Likert scale response format. The study found it to have good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80 or 0.81 depending on the summary) and significant convergent validity with a pre-existing Touch Avoidance Measure.
What methodology was used in this study?
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. The scale items were developed in Urdu. Expert review and pilot testing informed the final version of the scale. Participants were recruited from higher education institutions. The APS, along with the Touch Avoidance Measure (TAM-1), were administered, and demographic information was collected.
What were the key findings of the study?
The APS demonstrated good reliability and significant convergent validity. Descriptive statistics provided demographic information of the sample (n=71) and mean scores on the APS and TAM-1. A significant positive correlation was found between the APS and TAM-1, supporting the convergent validity of the scale. A moderate level of fear of being touched was observed in the sample, with a possible gender difference needing further investigation.
What are the implications of the study's findings?
The successful development and validation of the APS provide a reliable instrument for assessing aphenphosmphobia in adolescents. The findings highlight the significance of touch in personal and social relationships and connect to existing literature on the importance of touch in human development and well-being. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is suggested.
What are the limitations of the study?
One limitation is the relatively small sample size (n=71), particularly the limited number of male participants, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample, including males, is needed to confirm and expand upon the current findings.
What keywords are associated with this study?
Aphenphosmphobia, haphephobia, fear of touch, touch avoidance, psychometrics, scale development, validation, adolescents, Pakistan, reliability, validity, cultural context, social interaction, mental health.
- Citation du texte
- Nazia Yaqoob (Auteur), Shaista Jabeen (Auteur), Ayesha Manzoor (Auteur), Javeria Amjad (Auteur), Nimra Yaseen (Auteur), Rahiq ul Firdous (Auteur), 2024, Development and Validation of Aphenphosmphobia Scale in Early Adults, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1487949
