Evaluating social effort in schizophrenia: psychometric properties of the social effort and conscientiousness scale (SEACS) in patients with schizophrenia
International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, vol.30, no.3, pp.280-289, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 30 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/13651501.2026.2658482
- Journal Name: International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
- Page Numbers: pp.280-289
- Keywords: negative symptoms, Schizophrenia, SEACS, social effort, validation
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: The effort invested in establishing and maintaining social relationships is a key component of socialisation, yet it remains difficult to assess. Understanding the difficulties that individuals with schizophrenia experience in forming social connections through a self-reported assessment appears particularly important. Aims: This study aimed to adapt the Social Effort and Conscientiousness Scale (SEACS) into Turkish and examine its psychometric properties in individuals with schizophrenia. Methods: Sixty-four patients with schizophrenia and 70 healthy controls completed the SEACS-TR and related scales. Psychometric analyses included internal consistency, factor analysis, and convergent validity. Results: SEACS-TR demonstrated good internal consistency (α =.86). Using principal component analysis, we identified a three-factor solution (social initiation, connection, conscientiousness) explaining nearly 60% of the variance. A preliminary confirmatory factor analysis conducted within the same dataset supported the three-factor model with good fit (CFI =.927). Patients scored significantly lower than controls (t = 3.844, p <.001). SEACS-TR scores correlated moderately to strongly with social functioning, anhedonia, and negative symptoms. Conclusions: SEACS-TR is a reliable and valid tool for assessing social effort in schizophrenia and may inform personalised interventions.