An examination of the construct validity of the Hong Psychological Reactance Scale

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the construct validity of a measure of trait reactance: the Hong Psychological Reactance Scale (HPRS). Investigating the functioning of this measure was particularly important, as the conclusions drawn from studies relating reactance to affect, attitudes, and behavior hinge on the legitimacy and quality of the HPRS. Using two samples of undergraduates, the current study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the factor structure of the HPRS and relate it to conformity, the Big Five personality traits, and entitlement. Results supported modeling the HPRS via a modified incomplete bifactor model. As expected, trait reactance was negatively related to conformity, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, and positively related to entitlement. Implications for using and scoring the HPRS are discussed.