Translation and validation of the hindi version of the HEXACO personality inventory-revised

Abstract

Background: Recent lexical research in different languages has revealed that there are six personality dimensions instead of the previously proposed five dimensions. To address this issue, the HEXACO Personality Inventory-Revised (HEXACO PI-R), a self-rating scale to assess personality characteristics, was constructed. However, researchers in India faced a language barrier because it was only available in English. Aim: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Hindi translation of the HEXACO PI-R. Materials and Methods: We followed WHO guidelines for the translation and adaptation of instruments. In forward translation, the scale was translated to Hindi independently by two independent bi-lingual authors. Both versions were reviewed, and a common Hindi version was made. Then, in the second step, an expert panel was formed comprising psychologists, authors, and senior psychiatrists. All the shortcomings were addressed, which resulted in a final Hindi version of the scale. Subsequently, a Hindi Professor, who had no background knowledge of the scale, was consulted to check the Grammar and meaning of the scale. Finally, an independent English Professor with no background knowledge of this scale was consulted to translate the Hindi version to English back. A small pilot study was conducted and a resultant Hindi version of the self-report HEXACO was applied to 10 patients to see the shortcomings, which resulted in the final Hindi version. By convenience sampling 300 volunteers, conversant in both the English and Hindi languages were included. The subjects were initially administered alternately the original English version or the Hindi version of the scale. Then after a gap of 14 days, those who initially received the English version filled up the Hindi translation, while those who received the Hindi version initially filled up the English version of the scale. Results: The scores on the original English scale and the Hindi versions were significantly positively correlated (Spearman’s rho 0.900; P < 0.001). The translated scale showed a high degree of internal consistency and acceptable reliability. An exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation yielded 6 factors, which were found to have a further 24 facets. The fitness of the model for the overall scale and its sub-factors was found to be acceptable. Results of the Rasch analysis showed the scale had good infit and outfit values. The person’s reliability was good. The Wright map showed a good distribution of the items. Conclusion: The Hindi translation of the HEXACO PI-R is a valid and reliable tool to gauge the personality dimensions of the Hindi-speaking population of India.