Structural Validity of the World Assumption Scale

Abstract

The World Assumption Scale (WAS) is a frequently used measure in trauma research. The 32 items of the WAS are intended to represent eight assumptions about the benevolence of the world, the meaningfulness of events, and the worthiness of the self. Debate about the validity of the WAS is ongoing, particularly in terms of its empirical factor structure; some studies have confirmed a model of eight correlated factors whereas several other studies have not. The WAS items were administered to a clinical sample of patients who sought professional help because of posttraumatic complaints ( n = 1,791) as well as a sample of healthcare professionals ( n = 236). We split the clinical sample into three subsamples, then performed exploratory factor analysis using data from one subsample and tested the factor structure with confirmatory factor analysis using the other two subsamples. A consistent model of eight correlated factors was demonstrated, with almost all factors showing acceptable reliability, Cronbach's αs = .68–.84. We tested this factor model against data from the sample of healthcare professionals with increasingly stringent levels of invariance and found it to be scalar invariant (same structure, loadings, and thresholds). In a regression analysis, five factors showed significant associations with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and two factors had unique associations with PTSD symptoms after we controlled for traumatic events: Self‐Worth, β = −.31; and Luck, β = −.15. Future research should aim to distinguish between different assumptions and their individual influences on posttraumatic complaints.

The cognitive, emotional, and behavioral sequelae of trauma exposure: An integrative approach to examining trauma’s effect.

“…Empirical studies support this association and show that trauma exposure is associated with a lower degree of optimism in one’s assumptive world (e.g., Foa et al, 1999; Schuler & Boals, 2016). Increased negativity in fundamental assumptions was also related to increased psychological distress and trauma symptomatology following trauma exposure or bereavement (Currier et al, 2009; Elklit et al, 2007; Goldenberg & Matheson, 2005; Grills-Taquechel et al, 2011; van Bruggen et al, 2018). Further, diminished or increased negativity in world assumptions mediated the association between cumulative trauma exposure and depressive symptoms in a sample of female survivors of intimate partner violence (Lilly et al, 2011) and in a university sample of undergraduate students (Lilly, 2011).…”

Relationship between World Assumptions and Resilience in Psychological Counsellors: The Mediating Role of Self-Orientations

“…These assumptions are based on expectations and tendencies such that the meaningfulness or explicability of events, the worthiness of the self, and the benevolence of the world and people in general. In other words, as a basic conceptual system, assumptions provide us with expectations about ourselves and the world so that we might function effectively (Bruggen, et al, 2018;Janoff-Bulman & Berg, 1998).…”

Fundamental assumptions as predictors of psychological hardiness of students with disabilities

“…It was determined that the fundamental assumptions about positive self-image, the benevolence of the world and the just relationship between Self and the world around were strongly changed because of psychological trauma and negative life events (Kaler, 2010). The concept of fundamental assumptions can be applied to people in general, not just those who have experienced traumatic events or in clinical psychology (Bruggen et al, 2018).…”