Abstract
AIMS: To develop an adjustment ability scale for outpatients with cancer and to investigate its reliability and validity. DESIGN: Quantitative study. METHODS: A proposed adjustment ability scale was prepared based on scale development guidelines. Its reliability and validity were statistically analysed using data obtained from 369 patients. RESULTS: Six factors were extracted from the factor analysis. Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.95 and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.83. A correlation coefficient of .48 was determined between the adjustment ability scale and the Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale (Japanese version), which assesses psychological adaptations via the cognitive-behavioural responses of patients with cancer. The correlation coefficient between the scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (Japanese version 4), which measures quality of life among patients with cancer, was 0.15.