Measurement of Dispositional Affect: Construct Validity and Convergence with a Circumplex Model of Affect

Abstract

A circumplex model of affect has recently gained tentative acceptance by prominent researchers investigating the structure of dispositional affect. The present study examines the issue of construct validity of several existing measures of affect and their fit with the circumplex model. A traditional multitrait-multimethod matrix approach is utilized first, followed by a confirmatory factor analytic approach. These analyses demonstrate that the data collected using these four scales are characterized by generally good concurrent and discriminant validity. Furthermore, the data are in partial agreement with the proposed circumplex model of affect. Issues for the further development of the circumplex model and the use of these measures are discussed.