PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE FILIPINO COPING STRATEGIES SCALE: A RASCH MEASUREMENT ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCT VALIDITY AND DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE

Abstract

Background: Cross-cultural coping research requires culturally adapted instruments, yet traditional psychometric validation methods may inadequately assess construct validity in non-Western populations. The Filipino Coping Strategies Scale (FCSS) requires rigorous psychometric evaluation beyond classical test theory approaches.

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the FCSS using Rasch Rating Scale Model analysis, examining unidimensionality, item functioning, and measurement precision across nine coping domains.

Methods: Secondary analysis of FCSS data from 399 Filipino adults (266 females, 133 males; Mage = 24.3, SD = 6.8). Rasch analysis assessed model-data fit, unidimensionality via principal components analysis of residuals, item fit statistics, person-item targeting, category functioning, and differential item functioning across gender groups.

Results: The overall scale demonstrated marginal person separation (1.92, reliability = 0.79) and adequate item separation (14.77, reliability = 1.00). Critical unidimensionality violations were observed across all constructs: first contrast eigenvalues ranged from 1.5-2.1, with unexplained variance of 14.2-26.1%. Eight items exhibited significant misfit (MNSQ > 1.4 or < 0.6). The Tolerance construct showed severe psychometric inadequacy (person reliability = 0.18). Differential item functioning analysis revealed systematic gender bias in 12 items across six constructs.

Conclusions: While the FCSS addresses an important cultural measurement gap, substantial psychometric limitations compromise its validity. Findings suggest Filipino coping strategies may exhibit more complex dimensional structures than captured by current Western-derived taxonomies. Comprehensive scale revision incorporating indigenous psychological frameworks is recommended.