Psychometric Testing of the Persian Version of Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale

Abstract

Background: Professional identity (PI) is a key factor behind nurses' ability to provide quality care. PI assessment requires valid and reliable tools. Aim: This study aimed to translate into Persian the 9-item Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale (MCPIS) and evaluate its psychometric properties among Iranian nursing students. Methods: In this methodological study, SMCPIS was translated into Persian through forward-backward translation. The face and content validity of the translated scale were respectively assessed by 10 nursing students and a panel of 10 experts. Then, 171 nursing students completed MCPIS and Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire. Collected data were used for construct validity assessment through confirmatory factor analysis and criterion validity assessment through correlation analysis. Reliability assessment was also performed through the internal consistency and the test-retest methods. Findings: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed good fit model for the scale. Criterion validity, measuring convergent validity, assessment also showed a significant correlation between the scores of MCPIS and Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire (r = -0.2, P = .07). Cronbach's alpha and test-retest correlation coefficient were .87 and .72, respectively. Students' MCPIS scores ranged from 15 to 54 with a median of 44 (in the possible range of 9-54). Conclusion: The Persian MCPIS is a valid and reliable tool for PI assessment. Further studies are recommended to produce evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the scale.