Validation of the Amharic Version of the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) with a Sample of Adolescents in Addis Ababa፡ A Focus on Warmth and Conflict

Abstract

Quality of sibling relationship (QSR) contributes significantly to adolescents ‘development; however, no study has validated an instrument to assess the quality of adolescents’ sibling relationships with Ethiopian samples. The main purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) into Amharic and test its psychometric properties. We conducted two studies. In study 1, the instrument underwent translation and back translation along with the inspection of content, semantic, conceptual and contextual equivalence, and pretesting to determine its clarity and understandability to the target group. Study 2 evaluated the psychometric properties by administering the translated SRQ to 291 adolescents aged 15 to 17in Addis Ababa. The result confirmed the dimensions of warmth/Closeness and conflict as major aspects of sibling relationships by preserving the original 17 items. Both factors and the global scale presented a good internal consistency. In conclusion, the result supported the use of the SRQ in Ethiopia. The finding implied that the Amharic version of SRQ may now be used as a tool for the early detection of the pathological relationship between adolescent siblings and to determine the effectiveness of intervention programs designed to improve sibling relationships among adolescents.