Measuring Incompatibilities between Areas of Life in Cancer Survivors: Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the INCOMPAT-CS Instrument

Objective. Due to various long-term consequences of the disease, cancer survivors (CS) can experience incompatibilities between areas of life (work, family, household, leisure time, and disease) that can be associated with reduced satisfaction with these areas of life. To be able to assess such incompatibilities quantitatively, a six-item instrument (INCOMPAT-CS) was developed and psychometrically evaluated. Methods. Based on relevant theories, a multidisciplinary team developed the items of the INCOMPAT-CS. Descriptive analyses, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as validity and reliability assessments were conducted using survey data from n = 293 CS collected as part of the CARES study. Incompatibilities between areas of life were measured with the newly developed INCOMPAT-CS instrument. Results. A one component solution with satisfactory model fit (normed χ² = 1.90, RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.99, and TLI = 0.97) was identified in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The INCOMPAT-CS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.790) and high test-retest reliability ρ = 0.569 (p < 0.001). Convergent validity could be demonstrated (CR = 0.858 and AVE = 0.506). Hypothesis-consistent correlations with role and social functioning measures further indicate convergent validity. Conclusions. The INCOMPAT-CS is useful to assess incompatibilities among areas of life in CS quantitatively. Moreover, it helps to reveal the areas negatively affected due to incompatibilities. This short instrument can be useful in aftercare or psychosocial support interventions to detect incompatibilities and work towards reducing them as a consequence to increase CS’ wellbeing.