Assessing measurement invariance in long and short forms of the BIS/BAS scales across demographic subgroups with validation via impulsivity and internalizing and externalizing problem scales.

The Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) Scales are widely used to assess sensitivity to punishment and reward. Despite their broad application, few studies have evaluated measurement invariance across diverse sociodemographic groups. This study examined invariance of the original 20-item and abbreviated 12-item BIS/BAS Scales across sex, race/ethnicity, and their interaction in a diverse adolescent sample from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and moderated nonlinear factor analysis (MNLFA), we tested and corrected for measurement invariance. External validation of adjusted factor scores (correcting for measurement error) via correlational analyses with related constructs, which also underwent invariance testing, showed similar, or greater associations with related constructs. Findings highlight the importance of addressing measurement bias to improve validity and fairness in psychological research and underscore the need to integrate invariance testing into large-scale, multiethnic studies.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Powell, Margret Z. (Margret Zeda), 1993-

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Latendresse, Shawn J.
• Ryan-Pettes, Stacy R.

• Measurement invariance.
• Behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) scales.
• Impulsivity and internalizing.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13947

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13947