Validity of the Need for Affect scales: factorial structure, invariance and validity in Italy

Maio and Esses (2001) developed an individual difference measure of the Need for Affect. This construct reflects the individual’s motivation to approach or avoid emotion-inducing situations. In the present research, we sought further support for validity of the measure among Italian groups. Different groups of participants were analyzed (total N = 1159), with age ranging from 15 to 75. The factor structure of the scale was tested, and compared with results reported by developers of the instrument. Factorial invariance of the measure was investigated across gender and across age levels. We thus sought to replicate and extend previous results on convergent and discriminant validity of the need for affect measure. Results support the validity of the Need for Affect Scales in Italian groups.