Construct Validity and Internal Consistency of the Quiet Ego, Non-Attachment, and Resilience Scales in Indian Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Factor Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54392/ajir25418Keywords:
Resilience Scale, Quiet Ego Scale, Non-Attachment Scale, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Principal Component AnalysisAbstract
Quiet ego, non-attachment, and resilience are increasingly recognised as protective psychological constructs promoting mental health and well-being. These constructs draw on both Western positive psychology and Eastern contemplative traditions, yet their primary measurement tools—the Quiet Ego Scale (QES-14), Non-attachment Scale (NAS-7), and Resilience Scale (RS-14)—have not been psychometrically validated in Indian populations. This study undertakes an initial joint validation using exploratory factor analysis for construct validity, inter-item reliability for internal consistency, and principal component analysis for dimensionality across three scales among 200 healthy Indian university students (50% female; M = 20.99 ± 1.31 years). All three demonstrated good construct validity and internal consistency. QES-14 largely supported its theorised four-factor structure, though minor weaknesses emerged in the 'Inclusive Identity' dimension, particularly the item on ‘connections with strangers,’ reflecting potential collectivistic influences. NAS-7 and RS-14 exhibited robust unidimensional structures with excellent reliability, showing minimal and no item-specific deviations, respectively. Mild gender differences appeared on selected NAS-7 and RS-14 items, and while not robust after multiple comparisons correction, these patterns were interpreted through cultural and socialisation perspectives. In sum, the validation of QES-14, NAS-7, and RS-14 in the same cohort highlights both universal and culturally specific dimensions of positive psychological resources. The findings underscore that while these scales broadly capture their intended constructs, item-level anomalies reveal possible emic variations that could warrant adaptation for collectivist contexts.
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