Abstract
Five studies document the validity of a new 8-item scale designed to measure positivity, defined as the tendency to view life and experiences with a positive outlook. In the first study (N = 372), the psychometric properties of Positivity Scale (P Scale) were examined in accordance with classical test theory using a large number of college participants. In Study 2, the unidimensionality of the P Scale was corroborated with confirmatory factor analysis in 2 independent samples (N1 = 322; N2 = 457). In Study 3, P Scale invariance across sexes and its relations with self-esteem, life satisfaction, optimism, positive negative affect, depression, and the Big Five provided further evidence of the internal and construct validity of the new measure in a large community sample (N = 3,589). In Study 4, test-retest reliability of the P Scale was found in a sample of college students (N = 262) who were readministered the scale after 5 weeks. In Study 5, measurement invariance and construct validity of P Scale were further supported across samples in different countries and cultures, including Italy (N = 689), the United States (N = 1,187), Japan (N = 281), and Spain (N = 302). Psychometric findings across diverse cultural context attest to the robustness of the P Scale and to positivity as a basic disposition.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 701-712 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Psychological Assessment |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2012 |
Keywords
- Confirmative factor analysis
- Measurement invariance
- Positive orientation
- Psychometrics
- Scale development
- The positivity scale
- Well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health