Self-handicapping scale: evaluation of psychometric properties among Malaysian and Indonesian university students using Rasch rating scale model analysis

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of SHS in Malaysian and Indonesian university students’ populations using the Rasch Rating Scale Model. Design/methodology/approach Specifically, the persons’ and items’ reliability and separation, rating scale’s functionality, unidimensionality, item targeting, item quality and item bias were evaluated using Winstep 4.8.1.0 on a sample of 318 Malaysian and 470 Indonesian university students. Findings Both samples show good unidimensional measures. In terms of certain psychometric attributes, the Indonesian and Malaysian samples have relatively similar qualities. The adoption of SHS in measuring the self-handicapping tendency indicates the scale works well for both Indonesian and Malaysian samples. Practical implications The findings allow researchers in Malaysia and Indonesia to confidently use the SHS to measure self-handicapping behaviours among university students. This will then enable the design and implementation of a comprehensive intervention programme aimed at reducing self-handicapping and improving the psychological well-being of these future change agents in both countries. Originality/value This instrument was first tested in the United States, but its psychometric properties have yet to be evaluated in Malaysia and Indonesia.