The High School Competencies Scale (H-Comp Scale): A First Validation Study

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Non-intellective factors significantly influence academic performance and are more malleable than intellective factors.
• These factors are broadly categorized into self-concept (self-esteem, efficacy, motivation, emotions), study habits (dedication, skills), and relationships (family, peers, teachers).
• The C-Comp Scale previously assessed these in college students, necessitating adaptation for high school populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and validate the C-Comp Scale for high school students, creating the H-Comp Scale.
• To assess the reliability, structural validity, and concurrent validity of the new H-Comp Scale.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involved 364 Italian high school students for initial adaptation and testing.
• A subsequent study with 792 Italian high school students confirmed the scale's reliability and validity.
• Concurrent validity was assessed against general self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, social self-efficacy, and academic performance.

Main Results:

• The H-Comp Scale demonstrated excellent reliability, structural validity, and concurrent validity.
• The final 48-item scale comprises twelve subscales across three domains: Study, Self, and Relationships.
• Specific subscales include motivation, time management, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and relationship quality.

Conclusions:

• The H-Comp Scale is a valuable, user-friendly instrument for assessing non-intellective variables in high school students.
• It supports counselors, teachers, and researchers in designing interventions to improve academic outcomes and student satisfaction.
• The scale facilitates a deeper understanding of factors influencing student success beyond cognitive abilities.