Development of the selflessness/self-centeredness Inventory – trait (SSI-T)
Résumé
Selflessness and self-centeredness are distinct psychological functionings that respectively favor authentic-durable and fluctuating happiness. As no current measure exists to systematically assess these functionings, the goal of this research was to develop a reliable psychometric instrument to assess them at the trait level: the Selflessness/Self-centeredness Inventory – Trait (SSI-T). Exploratory analysis (Study 1, N = 400) and confirmatory analysis (Study 2, N = 613) indicated that the SSI-T measured seven factors representing the modes of psychological functioning. Selflessness included four components (i.e. connection with humanity, connection with nature, compassion, and decentering), while self-centeredness included three components (i.e. self-focus, self-importance, and hedonic process). Validity analysis (Study 3, N = 250) with happiness, mental health, and transcendence-related indicators supported both construct and incremental validity of the scale.