Assessing specific items of Indian VSMS: Perspective of medical and rehabilitation professionals

Adaptive behavior plays a crucial role in daily functioning, involving a complex interplay between individuals and their environment. In India, the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) has been the preferred assessment tool for measuring adaptive behaviors, despite its age of over 85 years. However, periodic evaluation is necessary to ensure its continued relevance. This study aims to critically evaluate selected items of the Indian version of the VSMS. A survey form was developed through a focus group discussion (FGD), comprising 20 items from the Indian adaptation of the VSMS. The form was converted into a Google Form and distributed to medical and rehabilitation specialists across India. The responses were collected, recorded, and analyzed in an Excel sheet. Of the 107 responses received, 14 were incomplete and excluded, leaving 93 complete for analysis. The analysis revealed that less than half of the surveyed items and domains received ratings of disagreement from over a quarter of the respondents concerning their frequency, relevance, and diagnostic value. This study underscores the need for a dynamic approach to defining and assessing adaptive behavior, especially in the Indian context. It highlights the importance of revising existing scales, incorporating technology-related items, and considering societal and cultural norms shifts. While acknowledging its limitations, this research sets the stage for future investigations to gain a more nuanced understanding of adaptive behaviors amidst changing societal dynamics. Ultimately, these efforts aim to develop more comprehensive and relevant assessment tools for adaptive behavior in today’s rapidly evolving world.