Translating and Validating the Ghosting Questionnaire (GHOST) into French: Results Against the Romantic Ghosting Scale (RG-C)

Background: Ghosting, the sudden cessation of communication without explanation, is a growing phenomenon in digital interactions. Objective: This study translated and validated the Ghosting Questionnaire (GHOST) into French to address the lack of a culturally appropriate tool for French-speaking populations. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we followed rigorous translation protocols, including forward and back translation, expert review, and pilot testing. A diverse group of 274 French-speaking adults participated in a multisite study in Bahrain and Tunisia by completing the French language GHOST and the Romantic Ghosting Scale (RG-C). Results: Psychometric analyses revealed strong reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.880, test–retest ICC = 0.920) and a unidimensional structure (CFI = 0.963, RMSEA = 0.058). Convergent validity was confirmed through significant correlations with RG-C subscales: Role of Aggressor (r = 0.899), Role of Victim (r = 0.829), and Emotional Impact (r = 0.632, all p < 0.001). Item response theory analysis demonstrated proper category functioning and meaningful item hierarchy across ghosting severity levels. Conclusions: The French GHOST offers a robust instrument for researchers and clinicians to explore ghosting’s psychological impacts in French-speaking communities.