Construct validity and psychometric properties of the Responses to Positive Affect (RPA) questionnaire

Abstract

Previous studies confirm the role of depressive rumination in the exacerbation of negative mood. However, less is known about rumination in relation to positive affect. We present the construct validity and psychometric properties of the Responses to Positive Affect (RAP) questionnaire in a sample of 302 people from the general population (55.2% female), aged 18-68 years (M= 28.6, SD= 12.0). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicate a two-factor structure: emotion- and person-centered positive rumination (α= .88) and buffering (α= .83), both with adequate configural, metric and scalar invariance by sex. The two factors present adequate convergent, discriminant and incremental validity with constructs related to negative and positive affect. The results are discussed according to the studies reviewed and the RAP is proposed as an assessment instrument in therapeutic procedures that seek to enhance positive affect and psychological well-being.