Hungarian validation of the Positivity Scale

Theoretical background: The Positivity Scale (POS; Caprara et al., 2012) has been widely used to measure an individual’s level of positivity. Aim: Our aim was to develop a valid form of the inventory for the Hungarian population. Methods: We used a large sample of 11,686 Hungarian individuals (2,725 males and 8,961 females), consisting of four subsamples in our research. The age varied between 18 and 100 years ( M = 43.8; SD = 15.5). Participants completed a 64-item online questionnaire with POS items and other well-being measures so that we could assess external validity. Psychometric analyses included CFA and reliability assessments. Results: According to our results, the POS has a good structural validity in the Hungarian population. In the total sample RMSEA = .064 (CI: [.061 – .068]), CFI = .983, TLI = .973, SRMR = .020. Measurement invariance was approved for five socio-demographic variables: gender, age level, education, occupation, marital status. External validity of the POS was also demonstrated. POS measures a very similar construct to other traditional tests of well-being such as Huppert’s and Diener’s Flourishing Scales (.783 < r < .870). All measures of well-functioning and physical or mental health are positively related to POS (.507 < r < .720). Correlations between POS and the four virtue scales of the VIA-H were between .401 and .661, the highest with the Spirituality and transcendence scale. Regarding sociodemographic variables POS shows a clear positive relationship with subjective financial situation ( r = .317). The overall level of positivity is highest among people living in marriage or cohabitation. Positivity is usually higher for women than for men, most pronounced between the ages of 25 and 50, among divorced, widowed or those living alone, among entrepreneurs and employees. By occupation, high levels of positivity are found among entrepreneurs and employees, and the lowest levels are among the unemployed. Conclusion: POS demonstrates robust psychometric properties, making it a suitable instrument for future research within the Hungarian population.