Applicability of a Modified the Nottingham Adjustment Scale-Japan to the Patients after Laryngectomy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of a psychological adjustment scale for the patients who undergo laryngectomy and to examine its validity and reliability.“Psychological Adjustment for the Patients after Laryngectomy”(PAL) was modified from Nottingham Adjustment Scale-Japan (NAS-J), which had been developed for visually impaired people and the patients with Parkinson's disease, and consisted of 32 items. A factor analysis showed eight factors, similar to the seven factors in the original NAS-J. However,“Acceptance”was divided into two factors,“Positive behavior level”and“Self-consciousness level”. Internal consistency of the eight subscales was sufficient (Cronbach's alpha 0.7 to 0.8) except“Locus of control”(Cronbach's alpha 0.6). We conclude that PAL scale can be used for the patients after laryngectomy in Japan.