CD-RISC Portuguese Validation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties and convergent validity of first Portuguese version of the Connor- Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC, 2003). Data sets came from two studies in Portugal, respectively, 476 participants from the Resilience Effect in Coping with Trauma (RECT) project and 405 participants from the Health Impact Assessment of Employment Strategies (HIAES) project. The original CD-RISC items were translated to Portuguese and used in a survey along with additional psychosocial and biomedical measures. An Exploratory Factorial Analysis (EFA) with each of the two samples revealed that the best solution in both samples had 3 factors - Self-Efficacy, Spirituality and Social Support. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using the two samples together and the 3 factors model specified on the EAF revealed, in absolute, a good overall fit and, comparatively, a better fit than the model with the original 5 factors. The bivariate correlations between the 3 factors and the variables used for the convergent validity are consistent with previous research and show significant correlations with physical activity, medication, mental health, subjective happiness and stress. There may be a protective and beneficial role of positive mental health and resilience on health outcomes.