A four-stage factor analytic approach to studying behavioral domains

Abstract

Four stages in factor analyzing behavioral domains are outlined using a measure of mental well-being or self-actualization, the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), as an example. The stages are (1) exploratory analysis to assess the number of factors ; (2) developing viable factor names that are based on theoretical arguments and ensuring that each factor consists of subscales that many researchers agree appropriately load on the factor; (3) assessing the goodness of fit using confirmatory factor analysis; and (4) cross-validating the hypothesis on new data sets. After such an analysis it is claimed that the latent structure of the POI relates to the factors Sensitivity to Self and to Others, Perception of Reality, Acceptance of Present Self, and Strongly Principled Yet Flexible When Confronting Others.