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Development and Validation of the State Moral Elevation Scale: Assessing State-Level Elevation Across Nonclinical and Clinical Samples

Author

Listed:
  • Adam P. McGuire

    (The University of Texas at Tyler
    VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research On Returning War Veterans
    Central Texas Veterans Health Care System)

  • Candice L. Hayden

    (The University of Texas at Tyler)

  • Rawda Tomoum

    (The University of Texas at Tyler)

  • A. Solomon Kurz

    (VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research On Returning War Veterans
    Central Texas Veterans Health Care System)

Abstract

Research on moral elevation has steadily increased and identified several psychosocial benefits that bear relevance to both the general population and people with psychological distress. However, elevation measurement is inconsistent, and few state-level measures have been created and critically evaluated to date. To address this gap, the State Moral Elevation Scale (SMES) was developed and tested using an online sample (N = 930) including subsamples of general participants (nonclinical) and those who screened positive for mental health symptoms (clinical). Factor analysis indicated a single factor structure with nine items that demonstrated excellent reliability. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis indicated good fit statistics and strict measurement invariance across clinical and nonclinical subsamples. Lastly, correlational analyses with related constructs provided evidence of construct validity for both subsamples. Thus, the SMES is a psychometrically valid and reliable assessment tool for state-level elevation which can be used in both general and clinical populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam P. McGuire & Candice L. Hayden & Rawda Tomoum & A. Solomon Kurz, 2022. "Development and Validation of the State Moral Elevation Scale: Assessing State-Level Elevation Across Nonclinical and Clinical Samples," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 2923-2946, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:23:y:2022:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-022-00533-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00533-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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