Transforming Likert Scaled Variables (Right Skewed) to Normal Distributions

Dear All,

I am writing to ask about possible methods in which Likert scaled variables (5 point and right skewed - lots of 5s) can be transformed so that the distribution becomes normal and they can be used with parametric tests - in this case instrumental variable regression and selection models.

I have tried squaring the variables and log transformation thus far, but am at a loss about how to proceed.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary