Validation of the Arabic version of the self-assessment of social cognitive impairments (ACSo) tool among a sample of patients with schizophrenia

Background The social cognition aspect is today's research focus for improving the integration of patients with schizophrenia into society. This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Self-Assessment of Social Cognitive Impairments (ACSo) tool. Methods A cross-sectional study at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (HPC), Lebanon, enrolled 116 chronic inpatients between July and November 2023. Subjective assessment of social cognitive complaints was done using ACSo. Other clinical and objective measurements were collected to validate the ACSo tool. Results ACSo factor analysis revealed a 4-factor solution using the Promax rotated matrix. The Cronbach's alpha value for the scale was 0.656. The ACSo total score positively correlated with its items and factors. In the entire patient population, the ACSo was positively correlated with cognitive complaints (r = 0.560; p ' 0.0001), achieving concurrent validity. A significant negative correlation was found between facial emotion recognition (TREF) and the total ACSo scale (r = −0.246, p = 0.002). A significant negative correlation was found between the false belief theory of mind (TOM-15) and the total ACSo scale (r = −0.286, p = 0.001). Comprehension beliefs (TOM-15) were not associated with the total ACSo scale and subscales. A negative association was found between the empathy scale and the total ACSo scale. Conclusion ACSo is a valuable tool for the self-assessment of social cognitive complaints in patients with schizophrenia since it demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and good concurrent and construct validity.