Preliminary evidence of validity for the purpose in life scale for adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the evidence of validity for the Purpose in Life Scale for Adolescents (EPVA) through its internal structure and the reliability of its factors. The sample consisted of 352 students aged between 14 and 17 years, enrolled in public and private schools in Campinas and the region. Exploratory factor analysis showed evidence of validity for the internal structure of the EPVA, presenting a structure composed of five factors: religiosity, study, positive aspirations, material goods and affective relationships. All five factors presented alpha coefficients above 0.70. It was concluded that the EPVA is an instrument with acceptable psychometric properties that can be used in samples of adolescents.