Transcultural adaptation and psychometrics properties of the symbolic ableism scale in the Brazilian population.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Symbolic Ableism Scale for the Brazilian context and assess its psychometric properties. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study followed five steps for cross-cultural adaptation, ensuring conceptual, semantic, and operational equivalence. A total of 383 Brazilian adults (mean age = 22.4 years; standard deviation = 6.72) participated by completing the Brazilian version of the Symbolic Ableism Scale. Data analysis included factor analysis and internal consistency assessment using Cronbach's alpha to evaluate reliability. The results supported the construct validity of the adapted scale, identifying two factors consistent with the original version: Individualism and Recognition of Continuing Discrimination. Internal consistency was very good, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.90 and 0.87, respectively. The Brazilian version of the Symbolic Ableism Scale preserved the original intent of the instrument while reflecting specific aspects of the Brazilian cultural context. Despite structural modifications during the adaptation process, psychometric analyses confirmed its validity and reliability, supporting its use as a brief, user-friendly tool for research and clinical assessment of explicit ableist attitudes toward people with disabilities in Brazil.