Psychometric Evaluation of the Arabic Version of the Voices Acceptance and Action Scale Among Clients with Schizophrenia.

Abstract

Background: The Voices Acceptance and Action Scale (VAAS) is a tool used to measure acceptance and autonomous action in people with schizophrenia who are undergoing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Aim: Translate and investigate the psychometric properties of the Egyptian (Arabic) version of the Voices Acceptance and Action Scale.

Design: A descriptive cross-sectional research design following STROBE guidelines.

Methods: A convenience sample of 300 clients with schizophrenia completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Arabic VAAS, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. The scale was translated using a forward-backward translation method. Content validity was assessed by 10 experts. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to assess construct validity. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results: The Arabic version of the VAAS demonstrated good content validity (S-CVI = 0.94). EFA supported a five-factor structure, and CFA confirmed acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.087). The tool showed strong internal consistency (α = 0.993) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.85-0.95). No floor or ceiling effects were observed.

Conclusion: The Egyptian Arabic version of the VAAS is a reliable and valid measure for assessing acceptance and autonomous action toward auditory hallucinations among Arabic-speaking individuals with schizophrenia.

Impact: The Voices Acceptance and Action Scale is a tool used to measure acceptance and autonomous action in people with schizophrenia who are undergoing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.