Transdiagnostic Validation of the German Benefit Finding Scale (BFSC) for Youth With Chronic Conditions
Abstract We examined the psychometric properties of the 10-item Benefit Finding Scale (BFSC) in a transdiagnostic sample of German youth facing chronic conditions (N = 304; 12 – 21 years). Exploratory factor analysis with a first subsample revealed a one-dimensional factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis with a second subsample verified the one-dimensionality with an acceptable fit. The BFSC exhibited acceptable internal consistency (α = .87 – .88). Benefit finding (BF) was positively correlated with age, disease severity, optimism, self-esteem, self-efficacy, sense of coherence, and support seeking. There were no correlations with avoidance, wishful thinking, emotional reaction, and health-related quality of life. Sex differences in BF were not consistent across subsamples. BF was negatively associated with social status. The BFSC is a psychometrically sound and transdiagnostic instrument to assess BF in youth and may facilitate further research on positive adaptation processes in response to chronic conditions.