Psychometric properties and gender invariance of the Work-related Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (WAAQ) in the Italian context

Introduction: This research paper aims to validate the Work-related Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (WAAQ, Bond et al., 2013) in the Italian context, demonstrating gender invariance. This measure was developed to address the need for a brief contextual measure of psychological flexibility in professional domains. Methods: Five studies were conducted. In Study 1, the scale was culturally adapted; parallel analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis were conducted. Study 2 tested the structure, and the model fit of the 7-item scale through confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency indices. Study 3 examined concurrent validity. Study 4 verified the temporal reliability using the test-retest method. Study 5 analyzed gender invariance. Results: In Study 1, the scale confirmed its one-factorial structure, accounting for 59.73% of the variance. Study 2 demonstrated a good model fit of the 7-item scale in the Italian context. Study 3 showed negative correlations with psychological inflexibility and positive correlations with life satisfaction, flourishing, and work engagement. Study 4 verified the temporal stability of the scale. Study 5 confirmed configural, metric, scalar, and residual invariance regarding gender. Discussion: Overall, the results support the WAAQ’s validity and reliability for assessing work-related psychological flexibility, making it a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners.