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Katz Adjustment Scales
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About Katz Adjustment Scales
Scale Name
Katz Adjustment Scales
Author Details
Martin M. Katz
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Katz Adjustment Scales (KAS), developed by Martin M. Katz in 1963, are a set of self-administered and informant-rated scales designed to measure social adjustment in psychiatric patients post-treatment, though also used in general population surveys. Published in Archives of General Psychiatry (1963), the KAS assesses adjustment as a balance between the individual and their environment, encompassing freedom from psychiatric symptoms, positive social interactions, and adequate role performance. It incorporates perspectives from both the patient (S scales) and a close relative (R scales) to capture subjective well-being and external perceptions of functioning.
The KAS includes five patient-rated forms (S1–S5) and five relative-rated forms (R1–R5). Form R1 (127 items) rates psychiatric symptoms and social behavior (e.g., dependability, aggression) on 4-point frequency scales. Forms R2/R3 (16 items each) assess actual and expected performance in socially expected activities (e.g., self-care, community roles) on 3-point scales, with a satisfaction score derived from the discrepancy. Forms R4/R5 (23 items each) cover actual and expected free-time activities (e.g., hobbies, social activities). Patient forms mirror these, with S1 (55 items) derived from the Hopkins Symptom Checklist for symptoms and mood.
Total and subscale scores are calculated, with higher scores indicating better adjustment or more symptoms (R1). The KAS was validated with 315 patients (mean age ≈ 20–60 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based, psychiatric diagnoses), correlating with symptom checklists (r ≈ 0.50–0.70). It is used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and community health to assess post-treatment outcomes. Access requires permission from Archives of General Psychiatry.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the KAS from Katz & Lyerly (1963) or authorized sources (e.g., Archives of General Psychiatry), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (psychiatric patients or general population, 18+) and relatives that the scales assess adjustment, symptoms, and social functioning, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer via self-report (patient) and informant-report (relative) in clinical or community settings, with an interviewer introducing the forms; patients complete S1–S5, relatives complete R1–R5.
- Estimated completion time is 45–60 minutes for the full set (subsets can be used).
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health resources (e.g., counseling services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified language) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The KAS demonstrates moderate psychometric properties (Katz & Lyerly, 1963). Internal consistency for R1 subscores (N = 315) ranges from Kuder-Richardson coefficients of 0.41–0.87 (median = 0.72), with six of 11 subscores below 0.70. Alpha coefficients for 13 R1 scores range from 0.61–0.87 (U.S., Japan, West Africa), with a later study reporting 0.57–0.89 (7 of 12 below 0.70).
Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (r ≈ 0.60–0.80) based on similar scales. Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (r ≈ 0.50–0.70) and other symptom measures. Content validity was established through expert review ensuring comprehensive coverage of adjustment. Discriminant validity is implied by distinguishing psychiatric symptoms from social functioning.
Factor analysis (N not specified) supports subscale structures but is not detailed. The KAS predicts post-treatment community adjustment. Pairing with the Symptom Checklist-90 or MOS Social Support Survey enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
16-Items
Reference
Katz, M. M., & Lyerly, S. B. (1963). Methods for measuring adjustment and social behavior in the community: I. Rationale, description, discriminative validity and scale development. Psychological Reports, 13(2), 503-535.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Katz Adjustment Scales measure?
It measures social adjustment, psychiatric symptoms, and social functioning in psychiatric patients and general populations.
Who is the target population?
Psychiatric patients (post-treatment) or adults (18+) in community surveys.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 45–60 minutes for the full set.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses adjustment to guide psychiatric treatment and community integration.
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