Psychometric Analysis of the Russian Version of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)

Abstract

Abstract

Background. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is used by modern specialists as the main instrument for screening and monitoring studies of fatigue in clinical and population samples.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to adapt the full (Fatigue Severity Scale-9, FSS-9) and two short Russian versions of the Fatigue Severity Scale (Fatigue Severity Scale-7, FSS-7; Fatigue Severity Scale-3, FSS-3) in a non-clinical sample.

Study Participants. The study involved 526 respondents (264 men and 262 women) aged 18 to 74 years (M = 48.2; Me = 46; SD = 13.9).

Methods. In addition to the FSS, the study participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21).

Results. The full and two short versions of the FSS have a one-factor structure in which all points on the scale are included in the general factor. The internal reliability is proved by means of adequate Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω coefficients. Convergent validity is confirmed by positive correlations of fatigue severity indicators according to all FSS versions with depression, anxiety, and stress indicators according to DASS-21.

Conclusions. The Russian versions of the Fatigue Severity Scale are psychometrically consistent and can be recommended for use in scientific research with population samples.

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