The Youth Engagement with Global Sustainability Inventory (YEGSI): development and validity-based studies (Inventario de Compromiso Juvenil con la Sostenibilidad: estudios de desarrollo y validez)

Abstract

ABSTARCT The construct of engagement has great potential for understanding adolescents’ subjective connection to/identification with global sustainability issues. However, there are currently no validated instruments for measuring young people’s engagement with global sustainability from a multidimensional psychological perspective. This study presents the Youth Engagement with Global Sustainability Inventory (YEGSI) and an assessment of its psychometric properties using a sample of 692 adolescents. An exploratory factor analysis using a random half of the sample (n = 341) revealed five dimensions: cognitive, emotional, behavioural, school, and family. A confirmatory factor analysis using the remaining participants (n = 351) supported modelling these factors as a correlated five-factor model. All five subscales had good reliability. Positive correlations between YEGSI dimensions and wellbeing were identified, indicating the scale had convergent validity. In sum, the YEGSI appeared to be a valid and reliable measure. This measure has the potential to develop research and practice in the domain of engagement with sustainability.