Psychometric properties of a Japanese version of the Modest Behavior Scale and its relationship to explicit and implicit self-esteem

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AbstractThis investigation aimed to validate a Japanese version of the Modest Behavior Scale (MBS-J) to measure the behavioral aspects of modesty as a self-presentation tactic. Two preliminary surveys and three studies were conducted. Study 1 examined the factorial validity, construct validity, and internal consistency of the MBS, adding emic items generated from the Japanese sample in the preliminary surveys. The results confirmed a three-factor structure of Self-Effacement, Other-Enhancement, and Avoidance of Attention-Seeking, with good internal consistency for each subscale. Studies 1 and 3 also evinced appropriate correlations between the MBS-J subscales and theoretically related constructs, namely, trait modesty, independent and interdependent self-construal, self-efficacy, self-esteem, approval motivation, and dialectical self, suggesting good construct validity. Using a two-wave survey, Study 2 showed good test–retest reliability for the MBS-J. In Study 3, it was hypothesized that those with higher Self-Effacement tend to report lower explicit self-esteem owing to a self-presentation strategy instead of actual lower self-regard. The results showed that Self-Effacement was strongly negatively correlated with explicit self-esteem but not correlated with implicit self-esteem, supporting the hypothesis. These findings confirm the construct validity of this scale for modest behavior performed as self-presentation.