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Validity and reliability of the agentive steadfastness index
Cristel Vosloo1, Werdie Van Staden1
1Centre for Ethics and Philosophy of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Summary
This study introduces and validates the Agentive Steadfastness Index (ASI), a new measure for psychological resilience and character strength. The ASI demonstrates reliability and validity, paving the way for further research into its therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Agentive steadfastness, a previously unarticulated construct, is intuitively used by clinicians.
- Understanding agentive steadfastness can aid in predicting client prognosis and response to adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conceptualize and articulate the construct of agentive steadfastness.
- To develop and examine the validity and reliability of the Agentive Steadfastness Index (ASI).
Main Methods:
- The study involved 511 adult social media users.
- Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed using established psychological constructs.
- Temporal stability, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and split-half reliability of the ASI were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The ASI demonstrated strong convergent validity with resilience (r=0.715) and character strength (r=0.704).
- Discriminant validity was confirmed with anxiety (r=-0.599) and ego-strength (r=-0.244).
- The ASI showed good temporal stability (r=0.763 over 6 months), internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.937), and split-half reliability (r=0.838).
Conclusions:
- The Agentive Steadfastness Index (ASI) is a valid and reliable measure.
- The ASI can facilitate further research on agentive steadfastness as a psychotherapeutic target.
- Future research can explore ASI's relationship with personality, prognosis, and adversity.
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