Psychometric Evaluation of the Farsi Version of the Perceived Spiritual Support Scale Among Iranian Dental Professionals

Background and Objectives: Perceived spiritual support is increasingly recognized as a resilience resource for healthcare professionals. However, no validated Persian instrument exists to measure this construct among Iranian dental practitioners and students. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the 12-item perceived spiritual support scale (PSSS). Methods: The translation followed the guidelines of Beaton et al. for cross-cultural adaptation, including forward- and back-translation, expert review, and cognitive pre-testing. Face and content validity were qualitatively assessed by an expert panel and a pilot group of dental professionals. A total of 220 participants (73 dentists and 147 dental students) completed the Persian version of the PSSS online. Dimensionality was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n=175) with principal axis factoring and Promax rotation (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin [KMO]=0.943; Bartlett’s χ² (66)=2492.98, P<0.001). Construct validity was tested via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM; n=160), assessing indicator loadings, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and discriminant validity (heterotrait-monotrait [HTMT], Fornell–Larcker). Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), test re-test reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], n=50), and predictive relevance (Q²) were also evaluated. Results: Face and content validity confirmed the clarity, relevance, and cultural appropriateness of the Persian PSSS. EFA identified two factors (eigenvalues=7.72 and 1.18), explaining 74.1% of the variance. PLS-SEM confirmed the two-factor structure (loadings=0.49–0.94), with CR=0.943–0.947 and AVE=0.865–0.869. HTMT values were <0.85, and Fornell–Larcker criteria were satisfied. Cronbach’s α was 0.917 (internal), 0.922 (external), and 0.943 (total). ICC for the total scale was 0.87, and Q²=0.34. The model fit indices indicated good fit (standardized root mean square residual [SRMR]=0.072; normed fit index [NFI]=0.915). Conclusion: This study supports the Farsi PSSS as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing perceived spiritual support among Iranian dentists. Its cultural adaptation and strong psychometric properties enhance cross-cultural spiritual assessment and may inform future resilience‐promoting interventions in healthcare settings.