Validation of a brief form of the Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion questionnaire

J Health Psychol. 2017 Feb;22(2):218-227. doi: 10.1177/1359105315600234. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

Abstract

The aim of this study was the validation of a brief form of the Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion questionnaire using data from 5065 men from the "Cohort Study on Substance-Use Risk Factors." A 9-item scale covering three factors was proposed. Excellent indices of internal consistency were measured (α = .93). The confirmatory factor analyses resulted in acceptable fit indices supporting measurement invariance across French and German forms. Significant correlations were found between the brief form of the Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion questionnaire, and satisfaction and self-reported health, providing evidence of the concurrent validity of the scale. Perceived neighborhood social cohesion, and depression and suicide attempts were negatively associated, sustaining the protective effect of perceived social cohesion.

Keywords: Switzerland; depression; perceived neighborhood social cohesion; reported health issues; suicide attempt.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Report
  • Social Environment*
  • Social Support
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*
  • Switzerland / epidemiology
  • Translations
  • Young Adult