Hudson W. de Carvalho
Department of Psychology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
Hugo Cogo-Moreira
Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Karen Jansen, Luciano Souza, Jerônimo Branco, Ricardo Silva
Postgraduate Program in Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
Diogo R. Lara
Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Abstract:

Background: The Emotional and Affective Composite Temperament (AFECT) model describes originally six traits of volition, anger, inhibition (fear and caution subordinate factors), control, sensitivity, and coping. However, fear and caution have shown opposite relatioships with criteria-variables, indicating factor independence. Objective: The current investigation aimed to advance in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the emotional trait section of the Emotional and Affective Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) by examining the suitability of a 7-factor structure and the reliability of each scale using data from a population-based sample. Methods: AFECTS was administered via face-to-face assessments in a single-session, population-based cross-sectional survey. Samples was composed of teenagers and adults (14 to 35 years). The latent structure and reliability were analyzed via structural equation modeling: confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the a priori correlated 7-factor model (with fear and caution designed as single-factors) and trait-scores reliability was assessed by the estimation of information curves. Results: Findings attested the suitability of the 7-factor model presumed to underline the item set of the traits section of AFECTS and information curve interpretation showed adequate levels of reliability for all trait-scores. Discussion: The 7-factor model showed robust indicators of construct validity for the AFECTS.

Keywords:Temperament, personality, psychological traits, structuctural equation modeling, psychometrics. Introduction