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Development of the Nonattachment Scale-Short Form (NAS-SF) Using Item Response Theory

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Abstract

Research on nonattachment has consistently shown that it is conducive to psychological well-being and interpersonal outcomes. However, there is a lack of rapid assessment that can provide valid and reliable measure among individuals with different levels of nonattachment. The present study aimed at developing a short form of the Nonattachment Scale (NAS) under the item response theory framework. Study 1 recruited 1019 participants who were mainly students and they completed the Nonattachment Scale. Based on the item information and item location, eight items were selected that yielded satisfactory internal consistency and test information. In study 2, 393 college students were recruited and the criterion validity of the 8-item Nonattachment Scale - Short Form (NAS-SF) was examined. Results showed that the 8-item NAS-SF was correlated with mindfulness (r = .54), mental well-being measures (rs = .46 to .54), psychological distress measures (rs = − .48 to − .57), and social/interpersonal measures (rs = .24 to .41). Findings suggested that the 8-item NAS-SF is a reliable and valid measure that can be applied to individuals with different levels of nonattachment in an efficient way.

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Funding

The study was supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund (Ref: 11121081) and CUHK-NCKU Joint Research Center for Positive Social Science (C-POSS) - Well-being Stream (Ref: 3132564)

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

    Floria H. N. Chio & Winnie W. S. Mak

  2. School of Education, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Mark H. C. Lai

  3. Department of Psychology and CUHK-NCKU Joint Research Center for Positive Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

    Winnie W. S. Mak

Authors
  1. Floria H. N. Chio
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  2. Mark H. C. Lai
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  3. Winnie W. S. Mak
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Contributions

FHNC designed the study, analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript. MHCL analyzed the data and wrote part of the results. WWSM conceived and designed the study, collected data, and edited the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Winnie W. S. Mak.

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Informed Consent

Ethical standards set forth by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Survey and Behavioral Research Ethics Committee were followed in conducting the study. The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. Informed consent from the participants was obtained upon explanation of the study.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

The 8-item NAS-SF selected based on the 30-item NAS developed by Sahdra et al. (2010).

1. I can accept the flow of events in my life without hanging onto them or pushing them away.

2. I can let go of regrets and feelings of dissatisfaction about the past.

3. I find I can be calm and/or happy even if things are not going my way.

5. I can remain open to what life offers me regardless of whether it seems desirable or undesirable at a particular time.

16. I find I can be happy almost regardless of what is going on in my life.

18. I am open to reflecting on my past mistakes and failings.

20. I am comfortable being an ordinary, less than perfect human being.

21. I can remain open to thoughts and feelings that come into my mind, even if they are negative or painful.

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Chio, F.H.N., Lai, M.H.C. & Mak, W.W.S. Development of the Nonattachment Scale-Short Form (NAS-SF) Using Item Response Theory. Mindfulness 9, 1299–1308 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0874-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0874-z

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