Ghosting Questionnaire (GHOST): Development, Validation, and Cross-Cultural Adaptations
摘要
Ghosting, characterized by the sudden and unexplained discontinuation of communication in interpersonal relationships, has become a significant phenomenon in the digital age, with considerable psychological implications for those affected. To address the lack of validated, culturally sensitive tools for assessing ghosting, particularly in non-Western contexts, the Ghosting Questionnaire (GHOST) was developed in 2023. This 8-item self-report instrument, based on the Shannon–Weaver communication model, assesses the experience of being ghosted. The English version demonstrated satisfactory content and construct validity, adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.74, McDonald’s ω = 0.74), and a strong single-factor structure. Subsequent translations into Arabic, Turkish, and Urdu confirmed the scale’s unidimensionality, high reliability (α ranging from 0.86 to 0.92), and cross-cultural validity. These adaptations facilitate nuanced, culturally informed research into the prevalence, predictors, and impacts of ghosting, including feelings of rejection, loneliness, and diminished self-esteem. The GHOST enables global investigations and informs interventions aimed at fostering healthier communication practices in digital interactions.