A new brief scale for social pro-environmental behaviors in adolescents by applying item response theory: The S-PEBS-A

Little attention has been given to psychometrics in research into social-political pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) in adolescents. We therefore developed a new, brief and unidimensional instrument (the Social Pro-Environmental Behaviors Scale for Adolescents , S-PEBS-A) to assess social PEBs in youth. In Study 1 ( n = 887, 56% male, M age = 16.43, SD = 1.23) the scale was developed, based on Item Response Theory. The 5-item final version turned out to be unidimensional, to vary in location, to have high discrimination ability, and to be informative for a broad range of the trait. In Study 2 ( n = 943, 60% male, M age = 16.33, SD = 1.26), through Differential Item Functioning across sex and age, the scale was found to be invariant across those variables. Moreover, the expected a posteriori score was positively and significantly related to climate change worry. In conclusion, the S-PEBS-A is suitable for research efforts and educational interventions with youth. • The Social Pro-Environmental Behaviors Scale for Adolescents has been developed • The S-PEBS-A is a brief and unidimensional scale to assess social PEBS in adolescents • Items vary in location and high discrimination ability • Items are informative for medium-high levels of the trait • Items are invariant across sex and age