MULTIPLE-GROUP CONFIRMATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL COURAGE SCALE

This study examined the measurement invariance of the Psychological Courage Scale (PCS) across three independent samples (N = 301, 307, 326) of psychology university students. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess equivalence in covariance matrices, factor structure, item loadings, error variances, and item intercepts. Results supported covariance matrix invariance and configural invariance, confirming the PCS’s stable three-factor structure (general courage, perseverance, and resilience) across the three samples. Full metric invariance was established, with equivalent factor loadings and covariances across samples, while error variance invariance was partially supported with differences in only three items. Partial support was also found for full scalar invariance, with only four items evidencing differences in intercepts across the samples. These findings provide further evidence for the structural validity and measurement stability of the PCS, supporting its use as a robust measure that reflects the multidimensional nature of psychological courage. The PCS shows promise for application in clinical, educational, and leadership/organizational settings.