Development of the positive coping behavioural inventory : a positive psychological approach

Abstract

The general aim of this research was to determine the theoretical elements of positive coping behaviour and operationalise these into a reliable and valid measurement scale, the Positive Coping Behaviour Inventory (PCBI). Positive coping behaviour was conceptualised in the context of employee wellness in the contemporary world of work. The literature review guided the development of a theoretical model comprising four constructs denoting positive coping behaviour: cognitive, affective, conative and social coping behaviour. Scale development protocols were followed in generating items for each dimension. The empirical study (research scale development) employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. The empirical study targeted the total population of N = 525 employees working in Omnia. The Omnia Group comprises a balanced and diversified range of complementary chemical service businesses with a broad geographic spread. The sample was diverse in terms of age, gender and race, overall mood description and general health. The respondents were purposefully selected based on the requirement that respondents had to be working and aged between 19 and 65 years. The empirical research provided evidence of the factorial (multidimensional) validity, unidimensionality, internal consistency reliability and structural and intra-test construct validity of the PCBI. Construct equivalence of the PCBI across age, gender and race groups was also confirmed. The statistical analyses provided evidence of the PCBI being anchored in a strong theoretical foundation with the scale having the potential to provide researchers and practitioners with a reliable instrument to measure the positive coping behaviour of adult workers. Furthermore, the PCBI contributes to the field of positive psychology and industrial and organisational psychology in terms of better understanding of the behavioural dimensions that constitute positive coping behaviour. As a valid theoretical framework, the PCBI dimensions provide useful information on measuring individuals’ positive coping behaviour in a holistic manner by focusing on a broad spectrum of positive psychological constructs in terms of cognitive, affective, conative and social behavioural elements