An adaptation and validation of disaster resilience scale based on community engagement theory

Abstract This study aimed to adapt and validate the Disaster Resilience Scale, originally developed by Becker et al. and revised by Paton et al., for assessing disaster resilience within the Turkish school community with a focus on Community Engagement Theory. This theory emphasizes the role of community involvement in disaster resilience at various levels, including the individual, community, and societal/institutional. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, data from 428 teachers were analyzed to assess the validity and reliability of the scale's Turkish version and its alignment with dimensions. In the second phase, data from 1,422 teachers were used to further verify the reliability of using the Generalizability Theory test, and confirm validity through confirmatory factor analysis. The results confirmed that the Turkish version of the scale, with its 12 factors and 52 items was valid and reliable. Cronbach's Alpha coefficients for the dimensions ranged from 0.80 to 0.91, indicating high reliability. The findings highlight the practical implications of adapting the DRS for enhancing disaster resilience in school communities and underscore the importance of community engagement in disaster preparedness and education.