Validation of Scales to Measure Dropout and Changing Majors Intentions of Chilean University Students

Early identification of undergraduate at risk of dropout is essential for timely intervention and requires validated, context-specific instruments. The objective of this study was analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish versions of two scales that measure phases of dropout and major change intentions. An instrumental design was used with 641 first-year Chileans students (56.9% male; M = 18.77, SD = .704). Results supported adequate content validity ( V = .94). Construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis confirmed five factors (non-fit perception, thoughts of quitting or change, deliberation, information search, final decision) for both scales with good fit indices: Intentions to quit studies completely ( χ 2 = 200.006, df = 79; RMSEA = .049; CFI = .954; TLI = .939); and Intentions to change a major ( χ 2 = 302.712, df = 80; RMSEA = .066; CFI = .954; TLI = .940). Both scales showed good discriminant validity and reliability. These tools support early intervention and academic advising.