Evidence of validity of a Jealousy Scale in Peruvian youth and adults: An item response theory approach

Evidencia de validez de una Escala de Celos en jóvenes y adultos peruanos: un enfoque de teoría de respuesta al ítem
Resumen

Introducción/Objetivo: En las relaciones de pareja, los celos pueden influir en cómo se sienten emocionalmente y en cómo interactúan las personas con su pareja. Este estudio analizó las propiedades métricas de la Escala Breve de Celos en jóvenes y adultos de Perú utilizando métodos actuales. Método: Se seleccionaron 297 personas para participar en el estudio. Tenían en promedio 26.52 años (con una variación de 7.75 años) y el 74.10 % eran mujeres. El estudio utilizó una técnica llamada teoría de respuesta al ítem (IRT) con un modelo de dos parámetros para confirmar la estructura y fiabilidad del BJS. Resultados: El BJS demostró una gran confiabilidad y ajuste a través de índices de bondad de ajuste. El análisis DIF indicó ligeros sesgos de género en algunos ítems, lo que refleja diferencias en la percepción de los celos entre hombres y mujeres. Conclusiones: El estudio resalta la importancia y utilidad de la Escala de Celos en las relaciones, ya que ayuda a entender cómo funcionan y a saber cómo intervenir. En el futuro, los estudios deben ocuparse de problemas como la selección de participantes y el tipo de estudio realizado, y examinar si la escala se puede usar en diferentes culturas.


Palabras clave:
Celos, relaciones románticas, validación psicométrica, teoría de la respuesta al ítem, diferencias de género.

Abstract

Introduction/Objective: In romantic relationships, jealousy can influence how individuals feel emotionally and interact with their partners. This study analysed the metric properties of the Brief Jealousy Scale (BJS) in young adults from Peru using current methods. Method: A total of 297 individuals were selected to participate in the study. They averaged 26.52 years of age (with a variation of 7.75 years), and 74.10% were women. The study used a technique called Item Response Theory (IRT) with a two-parameter model to confirm the structure and reliability of the BJS. Result: The BJS demonstrated high reliability and fit through goodness-of-fit indices. DIF analysis indicated slight gender biases in some items, reflecting differences in the perception of jealousy between men and women. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance and usefulness of the Jealousy Scale in relationships, as it helps to understand relationship dynamics and guides interventions. Future studies should address issues such as participant selection and study design and examine whether the scale can be used in different cultures.


Keywords:
Jealousy, romantic relationships, psychometric validation, item response theory, gender differences.

Artículo Completo
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