Assessing the Unidimensionality of Trait Reactance Using a Multifaceted Model Assessment Approach

This study employed a multifaceted model assessment approach to investigate the dimensionality and nomological network of a popular measure of trait reactance, the Hong Psychological Reactance Scale (HPRS; Hong &; Page, 1989 Hong, S.-M., &; Page, S. (1989). A psychological reactance scale: Development, factor structure and reliability. Psychological Reports, 64, 1323–1326.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). To address confusion regarding the scoring and modeling of the HPRS as well as its limited external validity evidence, we tested competing factor models, diagnosed model–data misfit, examined relationships between competing factor models and key personality traits, and cross-validated the results. Confirmatory factor analytic results supported modeling the HPRS via a bifactor model and, when this model was applied, trait reactance was negatively related to agreeableness, conscientiousness, and conformity, and positively related to entitlement, as expected. However, we also demonstrated the consequences of championing a 1-factor model by highlighting differences in relationships with external variables. Specifically, although modeling the HPRS scores with the bifactor model resulted in greater model–data fit than the 1-factor model, relationships with external variables based on the 2 models differed negligibly. Moreover, bifactor statistical indexes indicted that scores were essentially unidimensional, providing some support that HPRS scores can be treated as unidimensional in structure. Implications for using and scoring the HPRS are discussed.