Validation of the self regulation questionnaire as a measure of health in quality of life research.
OBJECTIVE
Several epidemiological studies address psychosomatic self regulation as a measure of quality of life aspects. However, although widely used in studies with a focus on complementary cancer treatment, and recognized to be associated with better survival of cancer patients, it is unclear what the self regulation questionnaire exactly measures.


METHODS
In a sample of 444 individuals (27% healthy, 33% cancer, 40% other internal diseases), we performed reliability and exploratory factor analyses, and correlated the 16-item instrument with external measures such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Herdecke Quality of Life questionnaire, and autonomic regulation questionnaire.


RESULTS
The 16-item pool had a very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.948) and satisfying/good (r subsetrt = 0.796) test-retest reliability after 3 months. Exploratory factor analysis indicated 2 sub-constructs: (1) Ability to change behaviour in order to reach goals, and (2) Achieve satisfaction and well-being. Both sub-scales correlated well with quality of life aspects, particularly with Initiative Power/Interest, Social Interactions, Mental Balance, and negatively with anxiety and depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The Self Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) was found to be a valid and reliable tool which measures unique psychosomatic abilities. Self regulation deals with competence and autonomy and can be regarded as a problem solving capacity in terms of an active adaptation to stressful situations to restore well-being. The tool is an interesting option to be used particularly in complementary medicine research with a focus on behavioural modification.
Büssing
Arndt
A
University Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany. arndt.buessing@uni-wh.de
Girke
M
M
Heckmann
C
C
Schad
F
F
Ostermann
T
T
Kröz
M
M
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires