Proximity of Clothing to Self Scale

This paper presents methods and results of Phases One and Two of a multi-phase research program whose long-term goals are to develop an instrument for scaling people on the multidimensional attribute proximity of clothing to self (PCS) and to verify content and construct validity and reliability of the instrument, including the individual dimensions that comprise the PCS concept. Phase One resulted in (a) revised definitions of six PCS dimensions and (b) 78 PCS Scale items with established content validity. Both definitions and items are grounded in people’s experience of clothing in everyday life across age and gender. Completion of three rounds of confirmatory factor analyses in Phase Two resulted in a 24-item PCS Scale that has demonstrated construct validity and reliability for adolescents in high school. The initially hypothesized 6-factor scale was not confirmed for adolescents; content from the six dimensions was integrated into a 4-factor scale for use with this age group. Recommendations for further testing of construct validity of the PCS Scale across the life span are made.