title: Development and validation of the self-acceptance scale for persons with early blindness: the SAS-EB.
abstract: Investigations of self-acceptance are critical to understanding the development and maintenance of psychological health. However, valid and reliable instruments for measuring self-acceptance in persons with early blindness have yet to be developed. The current research describes three studies designed to develop and validate the Self-acceptance Scale for Persons with Early Blindness (SAS-EB). In Study 1, we developed the initial item pool. Thirty-three items were generated, based on data from specialized literature and from 2 focus groups. Items were organized in a three-factor structure, theoretically predicted for SAS-EB - (1) body acceptance, (2) self-protection from social stigmas, and (3) feeling and believing in one's capacities. In Study 2, information obtained from a panel of 9 experts and 22 persons with early blindness representing the target population was used to refine the initial item pool, generating a new pool of 27 items. In Study 3, 318 persons with early blindness (141 women and 177 men), between 18 and 60 years of age (M = 37.74 years, SD = 12.37) answered the new pool of 27 items. After the elimination of 9 items using confirmatory factor analysis, we confirmed the theoretical three-factor structure of the SAS-EB. Study 3 also provided support for the scale's internal consistency and construct validity. Finally, the psychometric properties of the SAS-EB, its utility, and its limitations are discussed along with considerations for future research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiane Frota da Rocha
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Morgado
authors.affiliation: Sagrado Coração University, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Angela Nogueira Neves Betanho
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Campana
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria da Consolação Gomes Cunha Fernandes
authors.initials: Mda C
authors.lastname: Tavares
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001766:Blindness / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010556:Personality Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult