Psychometric properties of the Kazakh and Russian versions of the Oxford Positive Self Scale

Abstract

Positive cognitions about the self are receiving increasing attention in modern research. The Oxford Positive Self Scale (OxPos) is one of the psychometrically robust assessments of positive self-cognitions. There is a lack of tools assessing positive self-cognitions in Kazakh or Russian. The aim of the study was to adapt and validate the Kazakh and Russian versions of the OxPos.

The OxPos was translated into Kazakh and Russian using a back-translation approach. An online survey was conducted using a non-probability sample of 152 participants (54 in Kazakh, 98 in Russian). Construct validity, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the scale were explored. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Existence Scale (ESK) were used to evaluate convergent validity.

The results confirmed the Kazakh and Russian versions of the OxPos have satisfactory construct validity (adequate model fit for the four-factor model: χ2 = 270.92; CFI = .92; TLI = .91; RMSEA = .04; SRMR = .10 for the Kazakh, χ2 = 282.94; CFI = .94; TLI = .94; RMSEA = .04; SRMR = .08 for the Russian version); excellent internal consistency (ω = .93 for the Kazakh, ω = .94 for the Russian version); excellent convergent validity: positive self-beliefs correlated positively with self-esteem (r = .77), self-transcendence (r = .34), and correlated negatively with depression (r = –.47).

The Oxford Positive Self Scale in Kazakh and Russian is appropriate for use in research and psychological practice as an instrument assessing positive self-beliefs.