EXAMINING THE FACTORIAL STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIAL COMPARISON SCALE IN THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: A PSYCHOMETRIC STUDY

Abstract

Because the fact that social comparison has a significant impact on both self-evaluation and interpersonal dynamics, it is essential to have instruments that have been culturally validated in order to ensure accurate evaluation. 

Background: Given that social comparison profoundly influences self-assessment and interpersonal relationships, it is crucial to possess culturally validated instruments to guarantee precise evaluation. 

Objective Goal This research aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) and to examine the instrument's factorial structure and reliability.

Methods:  The methodology involved a cross-sectional study comprising 416 Saudi participants aged 20 to 34.  The participants were enlisted via online platforms.   Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, referred to as EFA and CFA, were conducted to examine the scale's structure. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were employed to evaluate internal consistency. 

Results Upon concluding the analyses, a comprehensive two-factor model incorporating both performance and opinion dimensions was identified as accounting for 51.5% of the total variance.   The CFA exhibited an acceptable degree of model fit (CFI=0.95, RMSEA=0.058).   Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.78 to 0.85, while omega coefficients exceeded 0.82.  This signifies that the internal consistency was notably high.   Significant inter-factor correlations and associations with related constructs supported both convergent and discriminant validity.   conclusion, the Arabic INCOM demonstrated strong psychometric properties, confirming its reliability and validity as a tool for assessing social comparison tendencies in Arab populations.  The predictive validity of this hypothesis must be assessed in future research encompassing diverse age and cultural demographics.