Psychometric Indicators of the “Proactive Attitudes” Scale in Adolescence: Testing the Factor Structure and Internal Consistency

Abstract

<p>This study was carried out as part of the development of psychodiagnostics tools for studying the proactive coping behavior in adolescents. Currently, there are few studies on proactive coping in adolescence, given the variety of studies on general coping behavior in adolescents. The aim of the study was to identify the psychometric properties of R. Schwarzer’s “Proactive Attitudes” scale, including its factor structure, internal consistency and validity, among adolescents. A total sample of 237 participants (117 girls and 120 boys) aged 11–15 years old (M=13.2; SD=1.41), was used. The scale consists of 8 questions and was designed to assess the level of proactive attitudes towards future events. The scale showed acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient α=0.78). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a one-factor structure for the scale (“Responsibility and independent choice”), using confirmatory factor analysis the one-factor structure of the scale was confirmed (χ²=34.17; CFI=0.959 acceptable, SRMR=0.041; SMSEA=0.069 with 90% confidence interval 0.032–0.104). The scale demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity. Average scores on the scale are presented, gender differences were not found. The “Proactive Attitudes” scale can be used as an effective tool for assessing a person’s proactive orientation in adolescence, and has acceptable psychometric indicators. The prospect of work should focus on standardizing of the scale for other age groups with different professional and social status, including clinical sample.</p>