Title

Dimensionality and psychometric analysis of an alcohol protective behavioral strategies scale

Abstract

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

Method: 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. Results: 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.

Conclusions: This 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.

Department(s)

Public Health and Sports Medicine

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2190/DE.41.1.d

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Journal Title

Journal of Drug Education

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