Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale: A Categorical Confirmatory Factor Analysis With Different Number of Response Categories

• In Event: Analyzing Elements of Survey Design: Examinations of Validity and Response Options

Abstract

The emotional self-efficacy scale has been widely used to assess individuals’ beliefs about their control and management of emotions. However, there has been some issues associated with its validity evidence, particularly when different numbers of response categories are utilized (e.g., three, five, seven). A total of 243 students responded to the scale. Data were analyzed using categorical confirmatory factor analysis to take into account the ordinal nature of the rating scale items. Results indicated that the scale has a multidimensional factor structure, with minimum items having low (e.g., less than .30) standardized loadings, as the number of response categories increases. Results will be discussed comprehensively in the final paper.

Author

• Mohammed A. A. Abulela, University of Minnesota