Speaking in Public Coping Scale (ECOFAP): validity evidence based on internal structure

To present the validity evidence of the Speaking in Public Coping Scale (ECOFAP) based on its internal structure.

This methodological study of instrument development and validation included 1,119 adults who speak in public in academic or professional contexts, with a mean age of 25 years. Most of the sample were females (68.5%) and held a bachelor's degree (58.5%). A self-report questionnaire was used for validation, including: 1) sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, education, profession); 2) questions about participation in training to improve public communication and public speaking experience in academic and professional contexts; 3) the 48-item Speaking in Public Coping Scale (ECOFAP). Internal consistency analyses (Cronbach's alpha), exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were performed for the validity evidence stages.

ECOFAP had 30 items after finishing the analyses. The results indicated it had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.87). The instrument presented a factorial structure comprising the Challenge (13 items) and Threat (17 items) factors. Factor loadings ranged from 0.37 to 0.66.

ECOFAP has a solid internal structure and adequate psychometric properties. It is reliable and valid for self-assessing coping strategies for public speaking among adults in academic and professional contexts.