Work

Development and initial validation of the Immigrant Optimism Questionnaire (IOQ) for immigrant‐origin young adults

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Immigrant optimism has been identified as a cultural protective factor that could be targeted in prevention efforts that support immigrant well-being. However, to date, immigrant optimism has not been consistently operationalized. We report on an iterative and collaborative approach to develop and validate a measure of immigrant optimism. METHODS: Content validity was established using feedback from immigrant-origin young adults and from experts in the field. Then, using survey data from 241 immigrant-origin young adults, we examined reliability, validity, and invariance of our measure among first- and second-generation immigrants. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a single immigrant optimism factor explains significant variation in each of our indicators. Our measure was further invariant across first- and second-generation immigrant youth and demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the use of our measure with immigrant-origin young adults. We offer considerations for future research and highlight implications for prevention efforts.

Source: Journal of Community Psychology

DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23153

Authors: Maria Alejandra Arce, Gabriel P. Kuperminc

Institution: Georgia State University

Language: English

Topic: Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,620