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Reliability of a scale to measure existential insecurity.
David Lester1, Ahmed Abdel-Khalek
1Psychology Program, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona 08240-0195, USA.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|August 22, 2003
Summary
A new 6-item scale effectively measures ontological insecurity in students. The study confirmed its reliability and factorial purity in a sample of 193 undergraduates.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Ontological insecurity is a complex psychological state impacting well-being.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture the nuances of this construct.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a brief, reliable scale for assessing ontological insecurity.
- To examine the psychometric properties of the new scale in a student population.
Main Methods:
- A 6-item scale was administered to 193 undergraduate students.
- Reliability (e.g., internal consistency) and factorial structure were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The 6-item scale demonstrated reasonable reliability.
- Factor analysis supported the factorial purity of the scale.
- The scale is a promising tool for measuring ontological insecurity.
Conclusions:
- The 6-item ontological insecurity scale is a valid and reliable instrument.
- This scale can be utilized in future research and clinical settings with student populations.