Psychometric Properties of the Japanese Version of the Career Engagement Scale among Professional Female Football Players

This study examined the psychometric properties of career engagement among professional female football players in Japan. First, the Japanese version of the Career Engagement Scale (J-CES) was developed using the forward-back translation methods based on the original version. This study allowed the measurement of career engagement in Japanese. Second, one hundred and forty-six professional female football players responded to an online survey of the J-CES. The study examined the reliability and validity of the scale using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, McDonald’s omega coefficient, and confirmatory factor analysis. The classical test theory analyses indicated that the J-CES had a high internal consistency (α=0.88, ω=0.85) and was not adequately validated. Third, the factor structure of J-CES was re-examined using the methods of determining the number of factors. As a result, one- and two-factor structures were proposed. Fourth, item analysis using a unidimensional graded response model was conducted to obtain findings on more valid items for the J-CES of the one-factor structure. The item response theory analyses revealed that the J-CES had good discrimination for Items 1–4 (a>1.35). Items 1–4 are statements concerning future career-related abstract behaviors. Furthermore, we also confirmed that the simple structure with the two-factor model could be obtained using exploratory factor analysis (principal factor method with promax rotation). J-CES may be useful for investigating career engagement in light of cultural, social, and athletic differences in the future.