Structure of the Mini-K-J and Its Utility for Measuring Fast Life History Traits in Japanese Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Life history theory is useful for taking an evolutionary approach to individual differences. An individual’s life history strategy (LHS), based on life history theory, can be measured using the Arizona Life History Battery or a part of it—the Mini-K—as the K-factor. In this study, I examined two research questions regarding the Japanese version of the Mini-K (i.e., Mini-K-J). First, I assessed the construct validity and invariance between sexes of the Mini-K-J because there existed issues with the factor structure of the original Mini-K. These issues were addressed in the original Mini-K, but not in the Japanese version. In particular, I examined whether the instrument consists of a single higher order factor (K-factor) and whether sex invariance exists in the factor structure, following Richardson et al. Second, I assessed criterion validity of the Mini-K-J. In particular, I examined whether the Mini-K-J could capture fast LHS traits in Japanese undergraduates because the Mini-K-J has been validated only using slow LHS traits. The results showed that (1) the Mini-K-J generated a single higher order factor (i.e., K-factor) and five first-order factors, (2) there existed sex invariance of the factor structure, and (3) the higher order K-factor mean might have a different meaning between sexes. These results predominately support Richardson et al. Further, the higher order K-factor of the Mini-K-J could capture fast LHS personality traits. These results suggest that the Mini-K-J would be useful for future studies related to LHS.

Life History Theory: Evolutionary mechanisms and gender role on risk-taking behaviors in young adults

“…Aggression (Figueredo & Jacobs, 2010), unsafe sexual practices (Figueredo et al, 2006), drug abuse (Brumbach et al, 2009) or deception (Reynolds & McCrea, 2015) are examples of risk-taking behaviors which provide adaptive advantages. In addition, males tend to show fast LHS compared to females (Figueredo et al, 2011(Figueredo et al, , 2013Gladden et al, 2008Gladden et al, , 2013Jonason et al, 2013;Kiire, 2020). Due to their greater variation in reproductive success, males tend to be immersed in reproductive competition, mainly in the form of inter-male competition (Archer, 2009;Betzig, 2012;Ellis et al, 2012) .…”

Life history strategy and overeating during COVID-19 pandemic: a moderated mediation model of sense of control and coronavirus stress

“…The original scale measures the relative position of an individual on a continuum of fast and slow strategies based on 20 psychological and behavioral indicators. Mini-K scale is a part of Arizona life history battery which designed to measure individual’s life history strategy [ 102 ]. The reliability and validity of this scale are good [ 103 , 104 ].…”

Development and validation of a Japanese translation of the K-SF-42

“…A recent meta-analytic study has shown convergent correlations between the Mini-K score and other related measures, including personality, cognitive ability, psychosomatic health, and social relationships, which supports its adequate construct validity [6]. In addition, the Mini-K has been utilized in different international samples, which shows that the Mini-K is a cross-culturally well-validated measurement [15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”