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

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide the results of a pilot study looking at the psychometric properties of the Goal Adjustment Scale (GAS, Wrosch et al., 2003b). This scale is an efficient tool in detecting adjustment strategies in the case of obstacles in the goal achieving process. The research sample consisted of 636 students (355 secondary school pupils and 281 university students). The inner consistency estimates of two factors (goal disengagement and reengagement) were relatively satisfactory. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 2-factor structure (as correlating factors) in the Slovak version of the scale. It also showed the expected negative correlations between goal-disengagement and dispositional optimism (LOT-R), hope (Snyder’s Hope Scale) and self-regulation (SRQ). Beyond, 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 confirm the relationship between adjustment capacities and subjective well-being measured through the frequency of positive and negative emotions (SEHP). One of the limitations in the research was that test-retest reliability was not found. It is considered important to perform further validation of the GAS in the future as the current results are only preliminary.