Analysis

The analysis of the RAND Social Health Battery involves the evaluation of an individual’s social functioning and social relationships. It uses several subscales to measure specific dimensions of social health, such as the quality of social contacts, social support, and participation in social activities. Each subscale includes a series of questions answered in Likert format, allowing for detailed assessment and the identification of areas where improvement or intervention may be needed.

Purpose

The main purpose of the RAND Social Health Battery is to provide a reliable and valid tool for assessing individuals’ social health. This instrument is widely used in clinical research and social policy to understand how social relationships and support affect overall health and well-being. It also assists in the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at improving social health, enabling the monitoring of changes over time.

Calibration

The calibration of the RAND Social Health Battery is usually carried out on a scale from 1 to 5, where participants rate the frequency or intensity of their social experiences and relationships. Responses are coded and converted into scores that represent the level of social health. Overall scores can be compared with normative values or with scores from other populations to identify anomalies or problems in social functioning. The internal consistency and validity of the scores are regularly assessed to ensure the reliability of the instrument.

References

Donald, C. A., Ware, J. E., Jr., Brook, R. H., et al. (1978). Conceptualization and measurement of health for adults in the Health Insurance Study. Vol. IV, Social health. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation.
Donald, C. A., & Ware, J. E., Jr. (1982). The quantification of social contacts and resources. (R-2937-HHS). Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation.
Donald, C. A., & Ware, J. E., Jr. (1984). The measurement of social support. Research in Community Mental Health, 4, 325–370.
Sherbourne, C. D. (1992). Social functioning: social activity limitations measure. In Stewart, A. L., & Ware, J. E., Jr. (Eds.), Measuring functioning and well-being: the Medical Outcomes Study approach (pp. 173–181). Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Sherbourne, C. D., Stewart, A. L., & Wells, K. B. (1992). Role functioning measures. In Stewart, A. L., & Ware, J. E., Jr. (Eds.), Measuring functioning and well-being: the Medical Outcomes Study approach (pp. 205–219). Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
McDowell, I. (2006). Measuring Health: A Guide to Rating Scales and Questionnaires (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.