The Development of the Stages of Recovery Scale for Persons with Persistent Mental Illness

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a scale which could be used as a valid way to show the evidence of recovery-oriented services. A 51-item scale was developed to assess both the component processes and outcomes of recovery. A sample of 471 participants administered the questionnaire. The factor analysis yielded a 45-item scale with six subscales, including three components of process and three outcomes. The construct validity was confirmed. Each subscale has very good internal consistency (α = .80—.95), and the 3—5 weeks test—retest reliability was .72. The scale could significantly differentiate the rehabilitation sample and the better functioning sample. The results indicated four stages of recovery. The external construct validity was also ensured. The results supported the psychometric property of the Stages of Recovery Scale (SRS). It could be utilized for both assessment and evaluation to document the evidence of a recovery-oriented program, collectively or individually.