Adaptation of Willpower Theories Scales to Turkish Culture and Investigation of Psychometric Properties

Abstract

According to the Strength Model, willpower is derived from a limited resource, and using willpower reduces its capacity. However, subsequent studies have shown that the belief in whether the willpower is derived from a limited or unlimited resource affects its capacity. To measure these implicit beliefs about willpower, researchers have developed the Willpower Theories Scale (WTS) in three different areas. The purpose of this study is to conduct Turkish validity and reliability studies of the Strenuous Mental Activity (WTS-MA), Resistance to Temptations (WTS-RT), and Emotion Regulation (WTS-ER) Scales. For this purpose, data were collected from 498 people aged between 18-39. The psychometric properties of the scales were examined through validity and reliability analyses. According to the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis performed to test construct validity, it was observed that all three scales exhibited a good fit indexes. In terms of convergent validity, their relationships with the Brief Self-Control Scale and the WHO Well-Being Index-5 were examined. Following the reliability analysis, the Cronbach Alpha values of the scales were calculated as .69, .57, and .56 for WTS-MA, WTS-RT, and WTS-ER, respectively. Consequently, when evaluating the psychometric properties of all three scales, it can be concluded that the Turkish version is valid and reliable, making it suitable for future research.