Description
The 19-item SFSAH assesses strength of the Hindu faith along a single dimension. Responses for each item are
1 ‘agree strongly’, 2 ‘agree’, 3 ‘uncertain’, 4 ‘disagree’, 5 ‘disagree strongly’. After reverse coding relevant items,
summing scores produces a range of 19 /C095, with higher scores indicating greater religiosity.
Sample
The original scale was developed using a sample of 330 persons aged 12 to 35 years attending a Hindu youth
festival (48% female, 94% under age 30) in London, England, in 2001 ( Francis et al., 2008 ). The scale was later
assessed in a sample of 305 Hindus in Indonesia (49% female, 33% university students, age range 14 to 43 years)
(Lesmana, Tiliopoulos, & Francis, 2011 ).
Reliability
Internal Consistency
Cronbach alpha coefficients for the full scale range from 0.83 ( Lesmana et al., 2011 ) to 0.87 ( Francis et al.,
2008).
Test/C0Retest
To our knowledge, no studies have reported test /C0retest reliability coefficients to-date.
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
Moderate correlations were found with frequency of prayer (0.36) and frequency of visiting a place of worship
(0.37) ( Francis et al., 2008 ). In the second study, a moderate correlation was also found with frequency of prayer
(0.35) ( Lesmana et al., 2011 ).
Divergent/Discriminant
The SFSAH is weakly correlated with gender (0.15) and marital status (0.19) ( Lesmana et al., 2011 ). To our
knowledge, no other information on divergent/discriminant validity is currently available.
Construct/Factor Analytic
In the original study, a principal components analysis with varimax rotation in a sample of 330 individuals
attending a Hindu youth festival revealed one component with loadings ranging from 0.31 to 0.74 ( Francis et al.,
2008). In a second study, an unrotated principal components analysis in a sample of 309 Balinese Hindus also
revealed a single component with loadings ranging from 0.12 to 0.78 ( Lesmana et al., 2011 ). The three reverse
scored items exhibited low loadings (0.12, 0.29, and 0.23) suggesting they measure a somewhat different construct
or reflect the reverse coding.
Criterion/Predictive
SFSAH scores positively predict frequency of prayer ( r50.36) and frequency of visiting a place of worship
(r50.37) ( Francis et al., 2008 ).
Location
Francis, L.J., Santosh, R., Robbins, M., & Vij, S. (2008). Assessing attitude toward Hinduism: The Santosh-
Francis Scale. Mental Health, Religion and Culture, 11(6) , 609/C0621.
Results and Comments
The SFSAH is the most accessible of the three measures assessing religious involvement within the Hindu faith
tradition. The internal consistency and validity of the scale appear adequate.
SANTOSH /C0FRANCIS SCALE OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS HINDUISM
1.I find it hard to believe in God (reverse coded).
2.Spirituality is important in my life.3.I have a close relationship with God.
4.I find it easy to understand Hinduism.554 19. MEASURES OF RELIGIOSITY
V. VICES AND VIRTUES