Strategic approach to coping scale: Psychometric characteristics of the Russian version of technique

Abstract

Coping strategies are an important factor for a human psychological well-being reconstruction. Theoretical literature analysis revealed that the identified coping mechanisms are relatively few comparing to the number of publications about their measurement. At the same time, in Russian psychology there is no adequate toolkit for measuring the coping behavior and human individual resources. In this regard, it is very important to adapt, validate already existing and well-established foreign methods. The aim of the study is to evaluate the psychometric indices of the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS) by S.E. Hobfoll. The key assumption was that the Russian-language version of the SACS method has psychometric characteristics, external and internal validity sufficient for its use in a multicultural sample of young people studying at Russian universities. In accordance with the hypothesis presented, the methodology and logic of the study were formulated, and four stages of the study were defined. External validity was tested in the first stage using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The internal validity assessment was carried out in the second phase, which resulted in the adjustment of test standards to the gender of the respondents. Construct validity was tested during the third and fourth stages of the study, when establishing the relationship of the scale of the methodology with the regulatory-personal predictors. The results of the study showed the relative internal consistency of the Russian version of the methodology scale, the methodology requires further adjustment. The scales' rates have been established taking into account the multicultural and gender characteristics of the sample. The representativeness of the sample presented makes the resulting norms more correct in assessing the significance of the overcoming behavior strategy. Validity verification of the questionnaire allows speaking about the discrepancy between the received factor structure of the methodology and its author's model. To overcome these discrepancies, some questionnaire items need to be reformulated. The Russian-language version of the technique has good construct validity. The test is capable to measure overcoming behavior strategies. Coping strategies are predictably associated with the level of conscious self-regulation scales (planning, programming, flexibility, evaluation of results) and socially significant personal dispositions (to be close to others, to help them, to empathize and to rejoice in successes, to be conscientious, responsible, and cautious in work). In general, the results of the evaluation of psychometric indices of the SACS methodology showed acceptable internal consistency of the scales of the Russian-language version of the methodology, confirmed structural validity, refined test norms, which allows us talking about the possibilities of using this technique in psychological studies.