Psychometric Properties of the Psychological Capital Scale in the Student Context (PsyCap-S)

Abstract

The resources provided by psychological capital can contribute to the successful academic performance of students, as well as to overcome obstacles and achieve established goals. There is an absence of a Brazilian instrument to measure psychological capital in students. Thus, this study aimed to develop and to seek evidence for the validity and accuracy of the psychological capital scale in the student context (PsyCap-S). The research was conducted based on two studies, with 697 students in each. In both samples the majority was composed of females who intended to enter undergraduate studies. The results indicated the validity and reliability of a structure of four dimensions (resilience, hope, self-efficacy, and optimism). Theoretical and practical dimensions of using the instrument are discussed, as well as implications for intervention in the context of the studies.

Psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Spanish version of the psychological capital scale in Ecuadorian university students

“…On the other hand, the factorial structure obtained in this study differs from the one reported in students from Argentina and Brazil, where a model of four correlated factors is reported [ 18 , 34 ]. Perhaps this inconsistency suggests that it is important to consider the cultural manifestations of PsyCap and the social factors that influence them.…”

“…Regarding the construct validity, the results indicate that the factorial structure that best explains the psychological capital scale score interpretations is the second-order four-factor On the other hand, the factorial structure obtained in this study differs from the one reported in students from Argentina and Brazil, where a model of four correlated factors is reported [18,34]. Perhaps this inconsistency suggests that it is important to consider the cultural manifestations of PsyCap and the social factors that influence them.…”

“…Although, from a conceptual point of view, it seems that the four factors of PsyCap might overlap, the factorial structure found in this research, and in previous studies [ 18 , 20 , 34 ], suggests that self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience are relevant and mutually exclusive dimensions that make up the psychological capital construct.…”