The SCL EWQ was developed to measure emotional consequences after SCI. It consists of three domains: 1) the positive emotional outcome of person growth, which determines current positive changes; 2) negative outcomes of helplessness, which determines the level of perplexity, out of control and low self-esteem; and 3) intrusion, which determines the level of bitterness and brooding.

Number of items: 12

Procedure/Administration: The scale can be self-completed in hard copy, online or by telephone interview.  Participants are asked to answer each question on a 4-point Likert Scale (1 = strongly disagree, 2=disagree, 3=agree, 4=strongly agree).

How scored: Domain scores are summed and then averaged. Scores range between 1 and 4 for each domain.

Interpretability: Higher scores indicate greater affirmation of the domain. So, higher scores on the personal growth scale indicate more positive emotional consequences of the SCI and higher scores on the helplessness or intrusion scale indicate more negative emotional consequences.  No cut scores or norms are given.

Acceptability: The scale was originally developed for the SCI population.

Languages: Swedish, English

Usability: The SCL EWQ is short and simple to complete. There is no significant respondent burden. The scale is simple to administer and score.

Time to administer: N/a

Time to score: N/a

Training required: None

Availability: N/a

Equipment required: N/a

Summary: The results of the SCL EWQ are used to advise clinicians about specific emotional consequences of a traumatic SCI.

Psychometric Summary: 

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O= Inter-observer; Intra-O= Intra-observer; SS= Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• Migliorini CE, Elfstom ML, Tonge BJ. “Translation and Australian validation of the spinal cord lesion-related coping strategies and emotional wellbeing questionnaires.” Spinal Cord 2008:46;690-695.