Use of the Delphi Method in the process of cultural adaptation and validation of the Moral Disengagement Questionnaire for Bullying Situations

Abstract

Bullying is a type of violence of which the moral disengagement corresponds to a socio-cognitive process. Although the association between these variables is widely explored, there are still no validated instruments for its analysis in the Brazilian context. This study aimed to present the Delphi Method and explore its applicability in the process of cultural adaptation and validation of the Moral Disengagement Questionnaire for Bullying Situations. The expert panel included seven health and education professionals (six women, average age - 41 years). All participants were Ph.D. and had been investigating issues related to bullying for more than five years. The scale was evaluated in four dimensions: objectivity, simplicity, clarity and credibility. The data were tabulated using the Microsoft Excel program and descriptive statistics allowed the definition of content validity and reliability indexes. The content validity index reached the maximum score (100%) in the four dimensions evaluated. The reliability check showed an average performance of 94%. After using the Delphi Method, a final version of the scale on bullying and moral disengagement in Portuguese was proposed. The strength of the study lies on the rigorous presentation and application of the Delphi Method.