TOPS Study 1: Thinking of the Possible Self Exploratory Factor Analysis and Concurrent and Discriminant Validity Analyses

Abstract

Two studies investigated whether thinking about the best possible future self might be an individual-difference characteristic. In Study 1, 325 adults rated themselves on items derived from the Best Possible Self activity and completed measures related to the validity of the proposed characteristic. Exploratory factor analyses suggested a one-factor structure for the proposed characteristic. .A measure of the proposed trait of thinking about the future self (TOPS) was created. In Study 1, the scale had an internal consistency of .95. Associations between thinking about the best possible future self with positive affect, optimism and life satisfaction contributed information regarding construct validity. Associations with the Big Five personality dimensions contributed information regarding discriminant validity. In Study 2, 224 adults completed the TOPS scale and a measure of state positive affect. After completing the pre-test measures, participants were randomly assigned to a Best Possible Self activity or a control condition, after which they completed a state-level TOPS measure and again completed the state measure of positive affect. A confirmatory factor analysis showed a marginally acceptable fit to the results of the exploratory factor analysis of Study 1 and in Study 2 both the trait and state TOPS measures showed good internal consistency at .95 and .98 respectively. Compared to participants in the control condition, those in the Best Possible Self exercise condition scored higher on state TOPS, which mediated the effect of condition on positive affect. The results suggest that the proposed new characteristic may be a psychological strength.