Development and validation of the Japanese version of Courage Measure (CM-J): Scale development using item response theory

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to translate the Courage Measure (CM) into Japanese and to examine the validity of the Japanese version of the CM (CM-J). Study 1 (N = 1,000) showed that the CM-J has a one-factor structure similar to previous studies and that it has sufficient measurement accuracy and good reliability based on item response theory. Study 2 (N = 366) confirmed the convergent and criterion-related validity of the CM-J in relation to optimism, pessimism, subjective well-being, Big Five personality traits, and the behavioral indicator. Study 3 (N = 200) confirmed the convergent validity of the CM-J in relation to resilience, bravery, authenticity, and grit. The CM-J is useful to the research of individual differences in courage and, in the future, for screening the clients who potentially drop out in exposure therapy.