Mexican validation of the Positive Psychological Functioning Scale. Perspectives on the study of well-being and its measurement

Abstract

Background. The Positive Psychological Functioning scale (PPF) is a newly developed measure in Spain. It consists of 11 psychological resources: autonomy, resilience, self-esteem, purpose in life, enjoyment, optimism, curiosity, Creativity, humor, environmental mastery and vitality. All of them are grouped into a second order factor called Positive Psychological Functioning. This measure has adequate validity and reliability. In addition, the confirmatory factor analysis showed a good level of adjustment.

Objective. The goal of this research is to validate the PPF in Mexico.

Method. We used a sample of 184 college students from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). They applied the PPF and other scales to calculate the reliability and validity in Mexico.

Results. The results obtained in the PPF scale showed good psychometric properties (reliability and validity). Moreover, the scale has hierarchical factorial structure formed by 11 prime order factors, and one second order general factor. The same result was found in the Spanish scale validation.

Discussion and conclusion. This measurement is innovative because, to our knowledge, there is no scale to measure Positive Functioning in this country, since attempts to adapt other similar scales have not been satisfactory. The results allow us to recommend the application of this scale in Mexico.