Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in Urdu

Abstract Background The need to belong is a fundamental human motivation that significantly influences individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. However, in Pakistan, there is a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate tools to assess this construct. The present study aimed to transla...

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Main Authors: Fatima Javed, Shirmeen Ijaz, Muhammad Nasar Iqbal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Psychology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02982-9
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author Fatima Javed
Shirmeen Ijaz
Muhammad Nasar Iqbal
author_facet Fatima Javed
Shirmeen Ijaz
Muhammad Nasar Iqbal
author_sort Fatima Javed
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The need to belong is a fundamental human motivation that significantly influences individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. However, in Pakistan, there is a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate tools to assess this construct. The present study aimed to translate the need to belong scale into the Urdu language and examine its psychometric properties. Methodology The present study was conducted in two phases. Phase I involved the translation of the scale using MAPI guidelines, while Phase II focused on validating the translated version. A cross-sectional research design and convenience sampling technique were used to recruit a sample of 300 participants (Male = 150, Female = 150). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to validate the factor structure of the Urdu version. Psychometric properties were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha reliability and assessments of correlation with other variables. Results The scale demonstrated excellent reliability and validity, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92. Fit indices also supported the model’s adequacy (Goodness of Fit Index = 0.96, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index = 0.90, Comparative Fit Index = 0.99, Normed Fit Index = 0.96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.06). The Urdu version of the need to belong scale showed a significant positive correlation with psychological distress and a significant negative correlation with life satisfaction. Conclusion These findings suggest that the Urdu-translated scale is a reliable and valid instrument, enabling culturally relevant research and mental health assessment among Urdu-speaking populations.
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spelling doaj-art-929bf6fbccb64e8e99a8e245288d55ce2025-08-20T04:01:47ZengBMCBMC Psychology2050-72832025-07-011311910.1186/s40359-025-02982-9Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in UrduFatima Javed0Shirmeen Ijaz1Muhammad Nasar Iqbal2Lahore School of Behavioural Sciences, The University of LahoreDepartment of Clinical Psychology, Superior University LahoreLahore School of Behavioural Sciences, The University of LahoreAbstract Background The need to belong is a fundamental human motivation that significantly influences individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. However, in Pakistan, there is a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate tools to assess this construct. The present study aimed to translate the need to belong scale into the Urdu language and examine its psychometric properties. Methodology The present study was conducted in two phases. Phase I involved the translation of the scale using MAPI guidelines, while Phase II focused on validating the translated version. A cross-sectional research design and convenience sampling technique were used to recruit a sample of 300 participants (Male = 150, Female = 150). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to validate the factor structure of the Urdu version. Psychometric properties were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha reliability and assessments of correlation with other variables. Results The scale demonstrated excellent reliability and validity, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92. Fit indices also supported the model’s adequacy (Goodness of Fit Index = 0.96, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index = 0.90, Comparative Fit Index = 0.99, Normed Fit Index = 0.96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.06). The Urdu version of the need to belong scale showed a significant positive correlation with psychological distress and a significant negative correlation with life satisfaction. Conclusion These findings suggest that the Urdu-translated scale is a reliable and valid instrument, enabling culturally relevant research and mental health assessment among Urdu-speaking populations.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02982-9CFAScale validationUrdu translationPsychological assessmentNeed to belong
spellingShingle Fatima Javed
Shirmeen Ijaz
Muhammad Nasar Iqbal
Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in Urdu
BMC Psychology
CFA
Scale validation
Urdu translation
Psychological assessment
Need to belong
title Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in Urdu
title_full Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in Urdu
title_fullStr Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in Urdu
title_full_unstemmed Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in Urdu
title_short Translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in Urdu
title_sort translation and psychometric validation of the need to belong scale in urdu
topic CFA
Scale validation
Urdu translation
Psychological assessment
Need to belong
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02982-9
work_keys_str_mv AT fatimajaved translationandpsychometricvalidationoftheneedtobelongscaleinurdu
AT shirmeenijaz translationandpsychometricvalidationoftheneedtobelongscaleinurdu
AT muhammadnasariqbal translationandpsychometricvalidationoftheneedtobelongscaleinurdu