Dimensionality and Psychometric Analysis of an Alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale

• NCJ Number: 235077
• Journal: Journal of Drug Education Volume: 41 Issue: 1 Dated: 2011 Pages: 65-78
• Author(s): Melinda G. Novik; Bradley O. Boekeloo
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01AA015139
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The current study examined the dimensionality of a protective behavioral strategies (PBS) measure among undergraduate, predominantly freshmen (92.5 percent) college students reporting recent alcohol use (n = 320).

Abstract

Participants completed a Web-based survey assessing 22 PBS items. Factor analyses determined the underlying factor structure of the items. Congruence of the factor structure among gender and racial sub-groups was examined by rotating the sub-groups' matrices via the Procrustes rotation method. Reliability analyses determined internal consistency. A 2-factor solution was retained utilizing 17 of the original items. Both PBS sub-scales (Limits and Avoidance) had acceptable internal consistency across all samples. The PBS Scale was determined to be bi-dimensional and reliable. The dimensions suggest two underlying foci: ways to limit alcohol intake and ways to avoid alcohol intake while socializing. Practical implications of these findings are discussed. (Published Abstract)