Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale

Abstract

Auditory environmental pollution, generally referred to as noise, is probably the most widespread stressor. Noise sensitivity has strong implications on individual responses to noise. Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) is the only available tool to assess the total noise sensitivity, yet not validated in the Iranian population. A Persian version of WNSS was developed during the standard approach. This study investigated the reliability (internal consistency, split-half and test-retest) and construct validity of WNSS in 287 non-industrial employees (clerks and sales people) aged 17 to 76 years old in Tehran, using several validated psychological scales including Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Zung Scale for Anxiety (SAS), Eysenck’s Personal Inventory (EPI), Buss and Perry’s aggression (AQ), job satisfaction and general noise annoyance questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha was found to be 0.62 for part І, 0.68 for the part ІІ and 0.78 for the total WNSS scores. Test-retest reliability was 0.66. Two factors emerged from Velicer’s MAP test, i. e., the need for privacy and the adjustment to noises. The main factor in principal components analysis explained 17.277% of the total variance. Construct validity was assessed through correlation of WNSS scores with other questionnaire measures.A meaningful relationship was found between total test score and job satisfaction (p