Validation of the Maximizing Tendency Scale in a Spanish Nursing Population

TL;DR

This paper validates a Spanish version of a 7-item scale to measure the tendency to maximize in decision-making, showing it is reliable and suitable for use with Spanish-speaking nurses.

Contribution

The study provides the first validated Spanish adaptation of the Maximization Tendency Scale (MTS-7) for use in Spanish-speaking populations.

Findings

The Spanish MTS-7 demonstrated a unidimensional structure through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

The scale showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.78) and strong test–retest reliability (Pearson correlation of 0.89).

The MTS-7 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing maximization tendencies in Spanish-speaking nursing populations.

Abstract

Background: In recent years, interest has grown in the study of the role of the maximization trait in situations of high uncertainty and high stakes. However, although up to 13 different scales have been proposed for its measurement, none of them have been translated and validated in the Spanish language. This study addresses this gap by adapting and validating the Spanish version of the 7-item Maximization Tendency Scale, a concise instrument designed to assess the tendency to maximize, which may offer practical advantages in terms of brevity and ease of administration compared to longer scales. Objectives: We aimed to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the MTS-7, examining its internal consistency and factor structure when applied to a Spanish sample. Methods: A sample of 213 active nurses from the province of Cádiz (Spain) (83.5% female) completed the translated version of the MTS-7 and completed the retest two weeks later. Results: Both Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses confirmed the unidimensional nature of the scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.78; the 2-week test–retest reliability Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.89; ICC was 0.78. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the MTS-7 possesses satisfactory psychometric properties and proves to have adequate reliability and validity. This scale may serve as a useful tool for studying decision-making under uncertainty among Spanish-speaking nurses.

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