Gain +1 or Avoid -1: Validation of the German Regulatory Focus Questionnaire (RFQ)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• The Regulatory Focus Questionnaire (RFQ) measures promotion (gain orientation) and prevention (loss orientation) focus.
• Validation of the German RFQ is essential for its use in German-speaking populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the psychometric properties of the newly translated German version of the RFQ.
• Assess the reliability and validity of the German RFQ.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 1024 participants completed the German RFQ and related instruments via an online survey.
• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• The German RFQ demonstrated acceptable reliability and good validity, correlating well with related constructs.
• Factor analysis supported a two-dimensional model, with metric invariance confirmed but scalar invariance uncertain.
• Sociodemographic differences in regulatory focus were analyzed.

Conclusions:

• The German RFQ is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing regulatory focus.
• The questionnaire is recommended for use in studies on motivation and goal attainment.