Understanding the neural mechanisms of empathy toward robots to shape future applications

Psychometric properties of the chinese version of the value-based stigma inventory (VASI): a translation and validation study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a culturally adapted Chinese version of the Value-based Stigma Inventory (VASI) and to evaluate its psychometric properties, including reliability and validity, among the general Chinese population.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 708 general citizens from Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China. The VASI's internal consistency, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability were tested to assess the translated scale's reliability. Several validity tests were performed, including expert consultation, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States) and AMOS 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States).

RESULTS

The Chinese version of the VASI showed good reliability, with a Cronbach's α value of 0.808, and the dimensions ranged from 0.812 to 0.850. Test-retest reliability showed good temporal stability with a value of 0.855, and the split-half reliability value was 0.845, indicating a high degree of consistency. The scale also demonstrated good content validity with a content validity index of 0.952. After conducting exploratory factor analysis, a five-factor structure was identified, including factors of self-realization, personal enrichment, reputation, meritocratic values, and security. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all recommended fit indicators were found to be within the acceptable range, including χ2/DF = 1.338, GFI = 0.960, AGFI = 0.940, RMSEA = 0.031, TLI = 0.985, CFI = 0.989, IFI = 0.989, PGFI = 0.640, and PNFI = 0.729.

CONCLUSION

The Chinese version of the VASI is valid and reliable among the Chinese general public. The five-factor structured scale effectively assessed public stigma against mental illness, including the value orientations associated with personal stigma. Given the harsh and widespread public stigma against mental illness, the findings from the questionnaire may inform the development of future public health education programs. Public health education is needed to reduce the stigma of mental illness, increase public awareness of mental health issues, and mitigate the continued stigmatization of mental illness.

Attachment to robots and therapeutic efficiency in mental health

Previous studies in the mental health context have demonstrated that interactions with social robots can improve the mood and cognitive capacities of their users, and enhance their quality of life. In this Perspective article, our goal is to systematize the possible roles of social robots and to point out that different roles require different levels of attachment. We argue that the attachment between the client and the (robot) therapist is a fundamental ingredient of any helping relationship and that the full potential of using social robots in mental health settings can only be realized if the strength of attachment is appropriately correlated with the type of relationship established.