Urdu Translation and Validation of 16-Item Measure to Assess State Worry Features in Pakistani Adolescents

Abstract

In this study, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) has been translated into Urdu and approved for usage with the intended audience. Originally this scale was developed by Meyer et al. (1990). Translation and validation were the study's two main sections. In phase 1, the PSWQ was translated applying a forward and back translation method from English to Urdu. This guaranteed the questionnaire's language and cultural equivalency for Urdu-speaking people. Establishing the PSWQ's Urdu version's psychometric qualities was the primary goal of phase 2. To guarantee the target demographic was represented, a sample of participants (N=500) was chosen from a variety of environments. A preliminary factor analysis was done to investigate the PSWQ's Urdu factor structure. To evaluate the fit of the model various goodness-of-fit indices were used for the data which include the adjusted goodness-of-fit index, goodness-of-fit index, incremental fit index, and comparative fit index. Additionally, RMSEA was computed. The results showed that the PSWQ in Urdu had a required level of reliability (Cronbach's alpha =.78). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure that is identified in the exploratory factor analysis EFA, this indicated a good fit of the model to the available data (CFI =.965, goodness-of-fit indices: GFI =.946 IFI =. 965, RMSEA =.057, AGFI =.920). In terms of conclusion, the PSWQ in Urdu had sound psychometric features, demonstrating its validity and reliability for measuring worry in the target demographic. Its excellent translation and validation make it an important tool for clinicians and researchers working with Urdu-speaking people, improving their knowledge of worry-related notions and enabling reliable inspection of worry symptoms.