This study conducted a Rasch analysis of the Forms of Self-Criticism and Self-Reassurance Scale (FSCSR) in patients with acquired brain injury. The results showed that the FSCSR fit the Rasch model well, with items ordered logically from less to more self-criticism. The "Inadequate self" subscale specifically targeted this trait well. While the sample size was small, preliminary analysis found the FSCSR demonstrates reliability and potential for interval-level measurement of self-criticism after brain injury.

1. A Pilot Rasch Analysis of the Forms of Self-Criticism
and Self-Reassurance Scale in Acquired Brain Injury
Ashworth F, Bauch E, Bateman, A
METHODS
INTRODUCTION
RESULTS
What is Rasch Analysis?
In the Rasch model, the
probability of a specified response
is modeled as a function of
person and item parameters. It
can also provide information
about how well items or questions
on assessments work to measure
the ability or trait. Item locations
(in logits) provide an interval level
measure for statistical analyses.
Why use Rasch Analysis on the Forms
of Self Criticism & Self Reassurance?
Anxiety and depression are common after ABI.
Transdiagnostic processes such as self-criticism are
linked to depression but are less understood after
ABI. Measures of self-criticism are not well validated
in this population. The Forms of Self-Criticism and
Self-Reassurance Scale (FSCSR) may be a useful
tool for understanding self-criticism after brain injury
therefore there is a good rationale for assessing its
construct validity.
CONCLUSIONS
RESULTS
Good targeting of the “Inadequate-self” subscale.
One limitation of the study is the
Preliminary Analysis
FSCSR has good fit to the model:
• Item trait interaction analysis non-significant chi square
(0.161, p>0.05)
• Reliability index (person separation index 0.91)
• Power of test of fit – excellent
The category probability curve for
item 16, an example of disordered
thresholds in the original format of
the questionnaire.
The item difficulties and participant
ability are plotted on the same
“Rasch ruler” or item map
Therefore the data were rescored to 3 levels per question and the
threshold map for the rescored questionnaire was plotted
showing the items sorted by item difficulty:
itemspeople
Easily disappointed with self
47 patients data
(assessment at OZC)
Analysis of responses to
FSCSR in RUMM2020
72% of sample was male
Median age 34
ABI of 1-10 years prior to
assessment at OZC
FSCSR (22-items)
reassure self
3 subtypes of
self-to-self relating
inadequate self
hated self
•
•
•
There is a part of me that puts me down
Able to remind myself about positive things about myself
Difficult to manage my anger & frustration at myself
I find it easy to forgive myself
There is a part of me that feels I am not good enough
I still like being me
I feel beaten down by my own self critical thoughts
I have a sense of disgust with myself
I find it easy to like myself
I can feel lovable and acceptable
I stop caring about myself
I have become so angry with myself that I want to hurt myself
I remember & dwell on my failings
I call myself names
I am gentle and supportive with myself
I think I deserve my self criticism
I cant accept failures & setbacks without feeling adequate
I able to care and look after myself
There is a part of me that wants to get rid of parts of myself
Thresholds were disordered and highlighted little evidence that
all categories of responding are needed.
sample size which is considered small for Rasch Analysis.
However, this preliminary analysis indicates that the
FSCSR appears to work, demonstrating logical item
ordering, satisfactory reliability and potential for interval
level scaling of this trait.
www.ozc.nhs.uk fiona.ashworth@ozc.nhs.uk
Oliver Zangwill Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK