Psychometric Evaluation and Initial Validation of the Slovak Version of the Goal Adjustment Scale (GAS)

Beáta Ráczová,Pavol Kačmár,Monika Hricová

doi:10.31577/sp.2021.01.816

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide the results of a pilot study looking at the psychometric properties of the Goal Adjustment Scale (GAS, Wrosch et al., 2003b). This scale is an efficient tool in detecting adjustment strategies in the case of obstacles in the goal achieving process. The research sample consisted of 636 students (355 secondary school pupils and 281 university students). The inner consistency estimates of two factors (goal disengagement and reengagement) were relatively satisfactory. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 2-factor structure (as correlating factors) in the Slovak version of the scale. It also showed the expected negative correlations between goal-disengagement and dispositional optimism (LOT-R), hope (Snyder’s Hope Scale) and self-regulation (SRQ). Beyond, significant positive correlations were only found in the case of goal-reengagement and pathway as a factor of dispositional hope. However, the study did not confirm the relationship between adjustment capacities and subjective well-being measured through the frequency of positive and negative emotions (SEHP). One of the limitations in the research was that test-retest reliability was not found. It is considered important to perform further validation of the GAS in the future as the current results are only preliminary.

Highlights

In the scientific community, adaptive self-regulation is frequently associated with goal attainment, perseverance in goal achievement and goal commitment (Carver & Scheier, 1998)
Based on the findings mentioned above, the second aim of the present study was to verify the construct validity of the Goal Adjustment Scale (GAS): positive relationships were expected between both goal adjustment strategies and positive state of mind and self-regulation; and between goal reengagement and dispositional optimism and hope
Wrosch et al (2003b) have previously indicated that the GAS has two distinct factors; a goal disengagement scale (4 items, e.g., “It’s easy for me to reduce my effort towards the goal.”) and goal reengagement scale (6 items, e.g., “I convince myself that I have other meaningful goals to pursue.”)

Summary

Introduction

Adaptive self-regulation is frequently associated with goal attainment, perseverance in goal achievement and goal commitment (Carver & Scheier, 1998). Personal goals can become difficult to achieve or are no longer even attainable in certain situations (Carver & Scheier, 1990). Obstacles can threaten anticipated gains and the decision to disengage from personal goals might signal failure in reaching the desired intentions. Goal adjustment capacities are made up of two strategies: goal-disengagement and goal reengagement, which are conceptualized as independent factors (Wrosch et al, 2003a, b). Goal disengagement allows an individual to expend effort on more attainable intentions (Wrosch et al, 2003a)

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Conclusion