Dimensionality Analysis of the Thought Suppression Inventory: Combining EFA, MSA, and CFA

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• The Thought Suppression Inventory (TSI) measures thought intrusion, suppression, and successful suppression.
• Distinguishing these aspects of thought control is crucial for psychological assessment.
• Previous research proposed a three-dimensional structure for the TSI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To scrutinize the dimensionality of the Thought Suppression Inventory (TSI).
• To evaluate the scale properties of the TSI in a Dutch senior citizen sample.
• To confirm the proposed three-dimensional structure of thought control measurement.

Main Methods:

• Examined the dimensionality of the TSI using Principal Axis Factoring (PAF), Mokken Scale Analysis (MSA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).
• Utilized a sample of 333 Dutch senior citizens.
• Assessed scale properties and psychometric soundness of TSI items.

Main Results:

• PAF analysis suggested a two-factor solution.
• MSA and CFA indicated that a three-dimensional structure best represents the TSI.
• Most scales demonstrated medium scalability, though some items require refinement.

Conclusions:

• The Thought Suppression Inventory (TSI) is best understood as a three-dimensional questionnaire.
• The findings support Rassin's original proposal of measuring thought intrusion, thought suppression, and successful thought suppression.
• Refinement of certain TSI items may enhance its psychometric properties.