Reliability and Validity of an Anticipatory Socialization Index for Physical Therapy Students

Abstract

[Purpose] To confirm the reliability and validity of an anticipatory socialization index created for physical therapy students. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a web survey of 304 physical therapists with a management title and experience of supervising novice physical therapists in medical/care facilities. The study items were basic attributes and 35 items of the anticipatory socialization index. [Results] Twenty-eight items were finally selected, with the following 5 factors identified: ＜knowledge necessary for job performance＞, ＜knowledge necessary for physical therapy practice>, ＜ability necessary for smooth work performance＞, ＜ability to manage physical condition＞, and ＜understanding of workplace functions＞, which confirmed the reliability and validity of this index. [Conclusion] The use of the anticipatory socialization index to assess physical therapists led to the identification of 2 characteristic factors, ＜knowledge necessary for physical therapy practice＞ and ＜ability to manage physical condition＞, which were not reported when using an organizational socialization assessment scale.