Translation into Spanish and validation of the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) for anhedonia

Abstract

Introduction: The inability to experience pleasure, anhedonia, is recognized as al hallmark symptom of depression. A 14-item, self-report scale developed for the assessment of hedonic capacity: the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) has proved to be a reliable and valid psychometric instrument.

Objective: Because there are no versions of the scale in other languages, our objective in this study was to translate the instrument into spanish and to determine if the new version maintained the validity and reliability of its original english version.

Methodology: The scale was translated into spanish and after reaching final consensus applied to a group of depressed patients participating in a pharmacological trial. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was also applied for comparative purposes.

Results: Our results demonstrate that the SHAPS in its spanish version maintains the validity and reliability level of the original english version. A moderate internal consistency was determined by Cronbach alpha value of 0.77.

Conclusion: our results demonstrate the the spanish version of the SHAPS has validity and reliability similar to its original version, and thus it represents a good alternative to evaluate anhedonia in spanish-speaking populations.