Development and validation of Preschool Psychosocial Resilience Indicators Test for Natural Disasters (PRINDS)

Abstract

This study was aimed to develop the Preschool Psychosocial Resilience Indicators Test for Natural Disasters (PRINDS), a test designed to assess the psychological resilience of preschool children in the context of disasters. The study was conducted from March 2024 to July 2025 in four kindergartens across two provinces in Turkey, involving 218 children aged between 4 and 6 years. During the process of developing the test, studies were performed on item formulation and content, developmental, face, and construct validity. This study employed both expert opinions and the 'think-aloud' method. The analyses yielded a four-factor structure (67.78% variance): disaster knowledge, first aid, emotional awareness, and coping. The Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.78 to 0.83, with a total scale score of 0.87. PRINDS study was determined to be both valid and reliable. The PRINDS offers a comprehensive assessment tool that may contribute to early identification of resilience strengths and development of disaster preparedness strategies.