Validation of the Maximizing Tendency Scale in a Spanish Nursing Population

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Decision Science
• Health Professions

Background:

• Growing interest in the maximization trait under uncertainty and high stakes.
• Lack of validated Spanish-language scales for measuring maximization tendency.
• The 7-item Maximization Tendency Scale (MTS-7) offers a brief alternative to longer instruments.

Purpose of the Study:

• Adapt and validate the Spanish version of the MTS-7.
• Evaluate psychometric properties, including internal consistency and factor structure, in a Spanish sample.

Main Methods:

• Translation and adaptation of the MTS-7 for a Spanish-speaking population.
• Administered the MTS-7 to 213 active nurses in Cádiz, Spain.
• Assessed test-retest reliability two weeks later.

Main Results:

• Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses supported a unidimensional scale structure.
• Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.78.
• Test-retest reliability was high (Pearson's r = 0.89, ICC = 0.78).

Conclusions:

• The Spanish MTS-7 demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties, including adequate reliability and validity.
• The scale is suitable for research on decision-making among Spanish-speaking nurses.
• Provides a valuable, concise tool for assessing maximization tendencies in this population.