Work

Validation of the Psychological Vulnerability Scale Among Higher Education Students in the Philippines

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Psychological vulnerability, a cognitive predictor of psychopathology linking self-worth to external affirmation, lacks validation in the Philippines despite rising youth depression. This study assessed the PVS among 533 Filipino students from Luzon. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicated the original six-item scale was suboptimal; while a refined four-item model achieved superior fit (CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = .00), these results likely reflect overfitting due to low degrees of freedom. Psychometric evidence was marginal, as internal consistency (α=.619) and convergent validity (AVE = .294) fell below traditional benchmarks. Nevertheless, the scale demonstrated scalar invariance across sex, confirming its stability for both male and female students. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the PVS as a potential screening tool, though further validation is necessary for robust clinical application. Keywords: Psychological vulnerability, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Measurement Invariance, Mental Health, Filipino Students

Source: North American journal of psychology

DOI: 10.65696/001c.159032

Authors: Rachelle Louise C. Embalsado, Justin Vianey M. Embalsado

Institutions: National University, De La Salle University

Language: English

Topic: Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7135391925