Translation and Validation of Finding Meaning in Suffering Scale (FMIS) in Urdu Language

Abstract

The present study aimed at translation and validation of FMIS in Urdu language. FMIS is designed to evaluate how individuals derive meaning from suffering as it plays a crucial role in coping with trauma, chronic illness, and existential crises, making a validated version of FMIS essential for cross-cultural research and clinical application. The translation process includes forward-backward translation by bi-lingual experts, reconciliation of differences, and expert review of content validity A pilot test was conducted on a sample of 30 participants, both Urdu and English version of scale were administered for feedback and to check the reliabilities of both versions. The Urdu version of FMIS was administered on a sample of 460 participants age ranged from 18-34 years (224 Men and 236 women) selected through convenience sampling. The data was analyzed through SPSS and AMOS. Descriptive, reliability, CFA, convergent and discriminant validation analyses were conducted. The results of pilot test showed reliabilities of English version (α = 0.71) and Urdu version (α = 0.81; See Table 1) and significant correlation (r = .70**; See Table 2) showed similarity of both versions. The results of CFA demonstrated a good fit model with χ2 = 270.16; (df= 118; N = 460); p<.001; RMESA=.05; TLI=.90; GFI=.94; AGFI=.92; and PCLOSE=.26. The value of chi-square (χ2 = 270.16) is significant (p<.001) due to greater degree of freedom (CMID/df=2.29). CFA model supported one factor structure (See Figure 1), 17-items were retained for meeting .30 criteria (.30 to .58; See Table 4), 5-items (i.e., 2, 6, 11, 18, and 21) were discarded for not meeting this .30 factor loading criteria resulted in improvement of reliability of scale (α = 0.85). Urdu versions of EFI-30 (Enright et al, 2022; α = 0.90) and CAS (Snell, 1995; α = 0.83) were administered for validation. The correlation between FMIS and Forgiveness (r=.187, p < .01) provided evidence for convergent validity and the correlation between anger and FMIS (r=-0.325, p < .01) provided an evidence for discriminant validity. The present research resulted in a reliable and valid Urdu version of FMIS scale. The implication of present research is for therapists, educationists, personality psychologists and for health practitioners, especially for those dealing with chronic illness.