Validation of the Social Inclusion Scale
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validation of the Social Inclusion Scale with Outpatient Mental Health Service Users
IRAS ID
135553
Contact name
Ceri Wilson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust
Research summary
Social inclusion can be defined as having the opportunities and resources necessary to participate fully in economic, social and cultural life and to enjoy a standard of living and wellbeing that is considered normal in the society we live in (Commission of the European Communities, 2000). Social inclusion is proving to play a key role in increasing health and wellbeing. However, people with mental health problems are amongst the most socially excluded groups in the UK (Batty, 2001). This is cause for concern, as low levels of social support can reduce the likelihood of recovery from mental health problems (e.g. Singleton & Lewis, 2003), whereas increased social inclusion can enhance mental health and wellbeing and reduce the impact of mental illness (e.g. Whiteford et al., 2005).
A number of interventions aimed at increasing social inclusion are currently being offered to mental health service users (e.g. participatory arts programmes). These require evaluation with a validated measure of social inclusion in order to ensure they are achieving their aims. At present, however, there is no 'gold-standard' measure. Secker et al (2009) recently developed the Social Inclusion Scale (SIS). Initial testing has shown that this is a reliable measure, but further testing is needed to ensure it measures what it is intending to, and that it measures this consistently over time.
The present research aims to validate the SIS (internal consistency, construct validity, test-retest reliability) with outpatient mental health service users within the South Essex Partnership Trust (SEPT). If the SIS demonstrates its suitability for use in this population, this will contribute towards establishing a 'gold-standard' measure of social inclusion which could be employed in evaluations of projects aimed at increasing social inclusion.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0140
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion