Willpower Scale: A Study of Validity and Reliability

Abstract

This study aims to develop a willpower scale. The concept of willpower is considered an umbrella concept reflecting various variables such as delay of gratification, self-control, self-discipline, self-regulation, and perseverance. In the scale development process, we conducted a comprehensive literature review and prepared an item pool. After the field and language experts examined this item pool, we created a pilot form and applied this form to a group of 100 participants. After the pilot application, we prepared the final application form and it to two different groups of 518 participants in total. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis, a four-dimensional structure consisting of 25 items was obtained. The structure of the scale was tested with confirmatory factor analysis, which indicated that the goodness of fit values were satisfactory. We examined the reliability of the scale with Cronbach's Alpha internal consistency and calculated this value as .91 for the total scale. For similar scale and discriminant criterion validity, we used grit, self-control, self-management and general procrastination variables and found that the scale's fit and discrimination values were also sufficient. The test-retest reliability of the scale was also examined in a group of 49 participants, and it was revealed that the measurements carried out in two-week intervals yielded reliable results (r=.71, p<.05). Consequently, the Willpower scale can be used as a valid and reliable measurement tool in the literature.