Adaptation of the Emotional Solidity Scale in Terms of Tourist-Resident Interaction into Turkish: A Validity and Reliability Study

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to conduct a validity and reliability study of the 'emotional solidarity scale' developed by Woosnam (2008) in the conditions of Turkey. The scale, which is originally in English, is explained with a three-factor structure and consists of twelve items. Within the scope of the adaptation of the emotional solidarity scale to Turkish, firstly the scale was translated into Turkish and expert opinion was sought after the translation. After taking the opinions of the experts, the final form of the scale was given. Afterwards, linguistic equivalence study of English and Turkish forms was carried out. As a result of the correlation analysis, it was determined that there was a highly significant and positive relationship between English and Turkish forms of the scale (r= ,91; p= 0,000). The linguistic equivalence scale was applied to 435 residents residing in Nevşehir. The reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s Alpha) of the scale was measured as 0,91. As a result of the factor analysis, unlike the original scale, the emotional solidarity scale was explained with a two-factor structure consisting of eleven items. When the literature is examined, it is suggested that the difference that occurs in this way may be caused by different cultural environments. The findings obtained as a result of the validity and reliability analyses reveal that the scale is a valid and reliable data collection tool that can be used to measure the emotional solidarity between tourists and local people in Turkey.