The Translation and A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Thai Version of Highly Sensitive Person Scale

Arpapond Ussanarassamee; ๋Juthatip Wiwattanapantuwong; Phumaret Phupha

Authors

Arpapond Ussanarassamee Chulalongkorn University
Assistant Professor Dr. Chulalongkorn University
Dr. ฺBurapha University

Keywords:

Cconfirmatory factor analysis, Highly Sensitive Person, Personality, Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Thai Adults

Abstract

This study focuses on the translation and psychometric evaluation of Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPC) developed by Aron and Aron (1997) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) within the Thai adult population. Aimed at assessing Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) – a characteristic found in highly sensitive individuals – the study utilized a diverse sample of 411 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 65. This approach was intended to comprehensively evaluate the scale's relevance and reliability in the Thai cultural context. The translation process involved a systematic forward and back-translation method to ensure content validity and translation fidelity. The Thai version of the HSPC, consisting of 26 items, demonstrated high reliability (α =.88). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good fit between the measurement and the structural model (𝝌2 = 233.26, df = 201, p = .059, CFI = 0.997, GFI = 0.958, AGFI=0.926, RMSEA = .020). The model validated three-factor solution of Low Sensory Thresholds (LST), Ease of Excitation (EE), and Aesthetic Sensitivity (AS). This study additionally examined the cultural relevance of items in Thai version of HSPC leading to the identification and subsequent exclusion of one item due to its unacceptable factor loading, suggesting cultural unsuitability. This refinement underscores the importance culturally modified HSPC as a sensitive tool of assessing sensory processing sensitivity in Thai adults.

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