An exploration of the psychometric properties of the recovery capital questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Successive Scottish strategies and guidance have placed emphasis upon addiction treatment provision to involve an assessment of strengths and assets, known as recovery capital. A psychometrically sound assessment tool will be pivotal in underpinning a strengths-based approach to providing addiction assessment and treatment. The study investigated the psychometric properties of the Recovery Capital Questionnaire. Methods: The sample (n=173) included people accessing community based addiction treatment (n=108) and residential treatment (n=65) in England and Scotland. Equivalence reliability was investigated using Cronbach’s alpha (n=173) and stability reliability was investigated using a retest methodology with approximately one week between tests (n=102). Content validity was assessed using Lawshe’s content validity ratio and index and seven subject matter experts. Criterion related concurrent validity was examined alongside a measure of quality of life and a measure of resilience. Construct validity was examined via exploratory factor analysis. Results: The Recovery Capital Questionnaire was found to possess good overall equivalence reliability (α = 0.88) and stability reliability (r = 0.89) and ICC (0.88). Content validity was found to be strong (CVI = 0.91). The following correlations were found: RCQ Social Capital and WHOQOL social domain (r = 0.44); RCQ Physical Capital and WHOQOL Physical domain (r = 0.59); RCQ Human Capital and WHOQOL Psychological domain (0.43); RCQ Community Capital and WHOQOL Environment domain (0.40); RCQ Total and WHOQOL Overall QOL (r = 0.53); RCQ Total and WHOQOL satisfaction with health (r = 0.44); and RCQ Total and resilience total (r = 0.65), demonstrating good concurrent validity. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a four factor solution. Recovery capital was found to correlate with length of time in recovery and participants self-identifying use as problematic. Conclusion: The RCQ has been found to be a reliable and valid assessment of the strengths and assets which can be called upon to initiate and sustain the resolution of alcohol and other drug problems.