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Psychometric properties of the Social Comparison Motives Scale
1College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA. btigges@salud.unm.edu
Journal of Nursing Measurement
|November 12, 2009
Summary
This study introduces the Social Comparison Motive Scale (SCMS) to measure adolescent pregnancy-related social comparison motives. The SCMS is a reliable and valid tool for understanding adolescent social comparison behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Adolescents engage in social comparison regarding sensitive topics like pregnancy.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture the specific motives behind these comparisons in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Social Comparison Motive Scale (SCMS) for assessing adolescents' motives for social comparison related to pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Focus groups with adolescents informed item development.
- Content validity, pilot testing, and administration to 431 adolescents (aged 14-18).
- Principal axis factor analysis, convergent, and discriminant validity analyses were conducted.
Main Results:
- The SCMS demonstrated a five-dimensional structure.
- Reliability was high (Cronbach's alpha = .91 overall, .71–.85 for subscales).
- The scale showed good convergent and discriminant validity with established measures.
Conclusions:
- The Social Comparison Motive Scale (SCMS) is a reliable and valid instrument.
- It effectively measures adolescents' motives for social comparison concerning pregnancy.
- This scale can aid research into adolescent psychosocial development and health behaviors.
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