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

Abstract

The aim of this study was to pilot test the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the Goal Adjustment Scale (GAS) in a student sample. The research sample consisted of 636 students (355 secondary school pupils and 281 university students). The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the 2-factor structure (as correlating factors) in the Slovak version of the scale. The internal consistency estimates of two factors (goal disengagement and reengagement) were relatively satisfactory. Regarding the convergent validity, the negative correlations between goal disengagement and dispositional optimism (LOT-R), hope (Snyder’s Hope Scale) and self-regulation (SRQ) have been found. Moreover, 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 support the relationship between adjustment capacities and subjective well-being measured through the frequency of positive and negative emotions (SEHP). One of the limitations of the research was that the test-retest reliability was not tested. It is considered important to perform further validation of the GAS in the future as the current results are preliminary. Nevertheless, the GAS seems to be an efficient tool in detecting adjustment strategies in the case of obstacles in the goal achieving process.