Measuring Physician Trust: An In-Depth Psychometric Analysis of the Trust in Physicians Scale Considering Social Desirability

While the Trust in Physicians Scale demonstrates strong reliability and validity in previous findings, further research is necessary to continue evaluating item response theory parameters and the effects of social desirability. Undergraduate participants (N = 730) between 17 and 48 years of age (M = 18.41, SD = 1.63) completed the Trust in Physicians questionnaire and criterion validity measures. Results from Gulliksen’s Pool indicated suitability for factor analysis and goodness of fit was appropriate for a unidimensional model (GFI = 1.00; RMSEA =.09; CFI =.98). When controlling for social desirability, factor loadings ranged from.39 to.84 for the Trust in Physicians factor. Loadings on the social desirability control scale ranged from.08 to.25, suggesting positive links with trust in physician and social desirability. Item response theory analyses under Samejima’s graded response model reveal item discrimination values between.42 and 1.71 (m = 1.01). Proper measurement may enable physicians to identify patients who may require attention to therapeutic rapport.