title: On the dimensionality of the Proactive Coping Inventory: 7, 5, 3 factors?
abstract: Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were employed to test the factorial validity and structure of the Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI; Greenglass, Schwarzer, Jakubiec, Fiksenbaum, & Taubert, 1999) in a large multiethnic sample (n=709). CFAs conducted on each individual scale of the PCI supported congeneric measurement. However, when the scales of the PCI were tested simultaneously in a model, a 3-factor model representing Logical Analysis/Problem Solving, Social Support, and Avoidance fit as well as both a 5- and the original 7-factor model. Moreover, strong redundancy among factors of both the 5- and 7-factor models suggested that these models did not represent the PCI well. In addition, multigroup analyses revealed that the parameters (e.g., factor loadings, item intercepts) of the 3-factor model were largely invariant across gender and ethnic groups. Discussion focuses on the interpretability of the 3-factor model of the PCI, and particularly in relation to traditional measures of reactive coping.
authors.affiliation: San Diego State University, San Diego, USA. scroesch@sciences.sdsu.edu
authors.forename: Scott C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Roesch
authors.forename: Arianna A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Aldridge
authors.forename: Tobin L P
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Huff
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Langner
authors.forename: Feion
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Villodas
authors.forename: Kelsey
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bradshaw
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D004644:Emotions; D005006:Ethnicity; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups; D008960:Models, Psychological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012944:Social Support