L’Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS) : validation et évaluation psychométrique chez une population de jeunes étudiants français

Abstract

In French-speaking countries, the concept of sensation seeking has been most widely assessed using the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale form V (SSS), since this instrument was validated (in French) more than 15 years ago. This instrument has received several criticisms which limit the internal and external consistencies. Indeed, five limitations of conception and form could reduce the fact that many researchers have found the SSSV to be valid and useful and, more importantly, the conclusions that can be drawn from studies in which it has been used (e.g; tautological relationships, a forced-choice format, language of some items is out-of-date). Arnett thus developed a new measurement (Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking, AISS) based on a new conceptualization of sensation seeking, which is characterized by the need for novelty and intensity of stimulation, whereas sensation seeking, as developed by Zuckerman, is marked by a need for novelty and complexity of stimulation. The AISS has been translated and validated in Spanish and in German. Both studies found support for the bi-dimensional structure of the instrument. Currently, there is no French-speaking version of the AISS, and because of the cultural differences between English- and French-speaking populations, we cannot simply translate the instrument without examining the reliability and the factorial validity. Hence, we followed the seven steps of the cross-cultural validation methodology for psychological questionnaires presented by Vallerand. Questionnaires were distributed to 782 young adults. Out of these questionnaires, 737 (94%) were returned. One hundred and sixteen questionnaires were removed because of missing data. Thus, a total of 621 young adults were included in the study. They were aged from 18 to 28 years (M=23.32, SD=2.79). They completed the SSS and the AISS. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the data set, using Amos 6.0, to assess the validity of the bi-dimensional structure; we also examined the internal consistencies, and tested the potential gender differences. The analyses show that the fit indices, associated with the model with 20 items proposed by Arnett, were poor. We therefore had to modify it and delete some items in order to provide a more satisfactory account of the data. The fit indices from the confirmatory factor analysis were adequate for a two-factor structure with six items on each subscale. Pearson's correlation coefficients supported convergent validity of the questionnaire. Internal consistency reliabilities Cronbach's α were calculated for each of the factors and for the total scale. The reliability coefficients for the Intensity and Novelty subscales were 0.621 and 0.567, respectively, whereas the reliability of the overall scale was 0.646. In order to assess the differences between both sexes, we carried out a multivariate analysis of variance with gender as independent variables, and intensity, novelty and the total score of the revised AISS as dependent variables. Men scored higher than women on the Total Scale and on the Intensity subscale, but no gender relationship was found on Novelty subscale. These findings replicated research supporting the construct validity and reliability of the AISS in previous psychometric examinations. The results of this preliminary study yielded sufficient support for the validity of the French translation of the AISS, but further analyses, such as test-retest reliability and discriminant validity should be conducted.