Factor Analysis of the Transpersonal Appreciation Scale as Studied in Adult Residents of the United States
Kelly Connor （ Fielding Graduate University, United States ）
Samuel Larsen （ Independent Researcher ）
Nathan Griffith （ Fielding Graduate University, United States ）
Madeline Foster （ Fielding Graduate University, United States ）
April Harris-Britt （ Fielding Graduate University, United States ）
Heidi Simmons （ Fielding Graduate University, United States ）
https://doi.org/10.37155/2972-3086-0501-6Abstract
Transpersonal appreciation is an emotion characterized by gratitude extending beyond an interpersonal relationship. It may be experienced with a known benefactor (e.g., a deity or person) or, more existentially, without a specific benefactor as the object of appreciation. Several tools to measure appreciation exist, though none efficiently assess transpersonal appreciation across heterogeneous groups (e.g., spiritual and secular). Objective: This research describes the development of a novel Transpersonal Appreciation Scale(TAS) for use in diverse groups. Methods: An exploratory factor analysis with 324 U.S. participants reduced an initial item pool of 36 items to 10, revealing a preliminary two-factor structure (General Appreciation and Spiritual Appreciation) which accounted for 71% of the total variance. A follow-up study with 317 U.S. participants used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the proposed two-factor model and test measurement invariance across groups defined by current religious affiliation. Results: The CFA results demonstrated good fit (robust CFI = 0.983) and strong internal consistency for the General Appreciation (α =0.860) and Spiritual Appreciation (α = 0.901) subscales. Convergent validity for subscale scores was supported by positive correlations between General scores and Adler and Fagley’s Appreciation Scale and between Spiritual scores and the Gratitude to God Scale (r = 0.763), while discriminant validity evidence was supported by negative correlations with negative affect as measured by PANAS (General: r = -0.697; Spiritual: r = -0.535). Conclusion: These findings provide initial evidence that Transpersonal Appreciation Scale scores have equivalent internal structure and factor loadings across religious groups.
Keywords
Gratitude; Appreciation; Scale development;; Measurement; Positive psychological assessment; Factor analysisFull Text
PDFReferences
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