SCI brief form (SCI-bf): Psychometric and factor structure analyses in Argentina

Abstract

The study of character virtues and strenghts is an important one in positive psychology. A measurement instrument, consisting of 24-single-item global self-ra-ting to assess the 24 character strengths of Peterson and Seligman (2004) classification, was developed. The instrument is a brief version of the Strength of Character Inventory (sci). Psychometric characteristics of this instrument, named Strength of Character Inventory Brief Form (sci-bf; IVyF Abreviado, IVyFabre, in Spanish), in both genders, were analyzed. The results showed adequate test-retest reliability, as well as validity, assessed with external criterion (observers), and the expected associations with the big five personality traits, life satisfaction and social desirability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses conducted with different samples support a three-factor structure of character strengths in Argentinean population, that represent characteristics associated with social (interpersonal factor), individual (intelligence factor) and the harmony between the individual and the social (restriction factor) features. These findings are consistent with previous studies carried out by local investigators in Argentina, the United States and China.