A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire

Abstract

The construct validity of scores on the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The purpose of this study was to test the fit of the SACQ authors' proposed four-factor model using a sample of university students. Results indicated that the hypothesized model did not fit. Additional CFAs specifying one-factor models for each subscale were performed to diagnose areas of misfit, and results also indicated lack of fit. Exploratory factor analyses were then conducted and a four-factor model, different from the model proposed by the authors, was examined to provide information for future instrument revisions. It was concluded that researchers need to return to the first stage of instrument development, which would entail examining not only the theories behind adjustment to college in greater detail, but also how the current conceptualization of the SACQ relates to such theories.