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Construction of a self-complexity scale for adolescents
Ana Martins1, Maria Manuela Calheiros
1Centre for Psychological Research & Social Intervention (CIS), Lisbon University Institute (ISCTE-IUL), Lisbon, Portugal.
Psychological Assessment
|May 23, 2012
Summary
This study developed the Self-Complexity Scale for Adolescents (SCSA) to measure adolescent self-complexity. Findings indicate SCSA is a reliable instrument, showing negative correlations with self-esteem and age-related differences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Self-complexity is a key aspect of psychological well-being.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture self-complexity in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable Self-Complexity Scale for Adolescents (SCSA).
- To examine the psychometric properties of the SCSA.
- To explore correlations with self-esteem and demographic variables.
Main Methods:
- Content analysis of school attributes and exploratory study of adolescent self-descriptions.
- Evaluation of attribute relevance and valence by adolescents.
- Administration of the SCSA to 174 adolescents (aged 12-16) and psychometric analysis.
Main Results:
- Self-complexity (SC) was identified as a bidimensional construct.
- The SCSA demonstrated reliability and convergent validity with self-esteem.
- Adolescents aged 14-16 showed higher negative SC scores than younger adolescents.
Conclusions:
- The Self-Complexity Scale for Adolescents (SCSA) is a psychometrically sound instrument.
- Adolescent self-complexity is negatively associated with self-esteem.
- Negative self-complexity increases with age during adolescence.
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