Objective: In this study, we aimed to develop a Korean version of the Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS) and to explore its reliability and validity among the general population in South Korea.
Methods: Using an online survey conducted during November 9-15, 2021, we collected the demographic data of 400 individuals and their responses to rating scales such as the CRBS, the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9). We conducted factor analyses and utilized item response theory to confirm the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the CRBS.
Results: Factor analyses revealed that the single factor model of the Korean version of the CRBS showed a good fit with the CRBS (χ2=5.475, df=5, p value=0.361, χ2/df=1.095, CFI=0.999, TLI=0.998, RMSEA=0.015). Multigroup CFA results indicated that the CRBS measures reassurance-seeking behaviors consistently across variables of sex, depression, general anxiety, and viral anxiety. The CRBS also exhibited good convergent validity with the SAVE-6 (r=0.431, p<0.001), GAD-7 (r=0.574, p<0.001), and PHQ-9 (r=0.575, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The CRBS is a reliable and valid rating scale that measures reassurance-seeking behavior in relation to viral epidemics.
Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; Health; Help-seeking behavior; Stress.