OBJECTIVES: To translate the Social Rhythm Metric-17 (SRM-17), a scale that assesses social rhythm, into Portuguese and to validate the content of the Portuguese version. METHODS: An adaptation of the method for validation of instruments was used and it included the following stages: preparation, translation, reconciliation, back translation, revision of back translation, comprehension assessment, review of the results of comprehension assessment and completion, proofreading, and final report. RESULTS: The final Brazilian version has the same number of items as the first English version of the original instrument, and included some enhancements. The adaptation of the alternative instrument developed by the Human Chronobiology Group of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil, to the SRM-17 did not show any significant discrepancies and revealed that, in spite of being a generic instrument, it is sensitive to the individual differences regarding the assessment of social rhythm. The Portuguese version showed a satisfactory level of understanding and semantic equivalence. CONCLUSION: A version of an instrument to assess social rhythm adapted to the Brazilian reality is presented in this study. The cross-cultural adaptation process must be completed by validation studies of the final instrument in a larger population sample, which will also be able to evaluate the equivalences related to operation, measures, and functionality.
Social rhythm metric; social Zeitgeber theory; chronobiology; biologic rhythm; mental disorder