Development and psychometric validation of a brief scale to measure environmental perception based on the 2-major environmental values model in adolescents and adults

Abstract

Background The worldwide ecological crisis, including global climate change, is leading to increased awareness and attitudes towards environmental problems. To address these problems, studies of human attitudes are needed. This study is based on the 2-Major Environmental Values (2-MEV) model, which measures two components of environmental attitudes: Preservation and Utilization. The model has been applied to both, adolescents and adults. After decades of use, it is necessary to review the psychometric scale and update the wording. Developing short or even super-short scales to measure well-established constructs is necessary due to time constraints, compliance or fatigue due to language issues. Methods We applied an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to a dataset containing 20 items from the 2-MEV model to reduce the scale to 6 items, 3 per dimension using parallel analysis, scree plot examination and eigen-value greater than 0 as criteria. The scale was then applied to adults and the sample was split for EFA and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) was then used to assess invariance across age and gender. Finally, regression and linear models were used to examine the effects of age and gender in both, adults and adolescents. Results The 2-MEV model was replicated in the EFA and CFA and the correlated two-factor model showed the best fit. The scale showed configural and metric invariance across age and gender, and scale invariance across gender. Gender and age effects were replicated in relation to previous studies. Discussion The brief scale showed good model indices and convergent validity. Implications The brief scale of the 2-MEV model can be applied in situations where environmental attitudes are important, but time constraints (internet surveys), compliance, or language problems may hinder the use of longer scales.