Psychometric Analysis and Refinement of the Connor-davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC): Validation of a 10-item Measure of Resilience

Resilience refers to an individual's ability to thrive despite adversity. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Three undergraduate samples (ns < 500) were used to determine the factor structure of the CD-RISC. The first two samples were used to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the third was used for confirmatory factor analysis. The EFA showed that the CD-RISC had an unstable factor structure across two demographically equivalent samples. A series of empirically driven modifications was made, resulting in a 10-item unidimensional scale that demonstrated good internal consistency and construct validity. Overall, the 10-item CD-RISC displays excellent psychometric properties and allows for efficient measurement of resilience.