Investigation of the factorial structure of questionnaires for the assessment of metacognition and self-affirmation using structural equation modelling and exploratory graph analysis

As part of the dissertation, a study was conducted to examine the influence of decentering on self-esteem regulation. For this purpose, 1,100 healthy participants (72% female, aged 18-65) were surveyed via an online platform. The participants completed the following questionnaires: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965; self-esteem), Experiences Questionnaire (Fresco et al., 2007; decentering), Self-enhancement Self-protection Scale (Hepper et al., 2010), and Spontaneous Self-affirmation Measure (Harris et al., 2019). In Study 1, the factor structure of the Experiences Questionnaire (EQ) was examined, while in Study 2, the factor structure of the Spontaneous Self-affirmation Measure (SSAM) was analyzed. The EQ is a questionnaire that assesses decentering, a metacognitive ability to observe thoughts and emotions from a distanced perspective. It consists of 14 decentering items and 6 rumination items. Previous studies identified both a one-factor structure (Fresco et al., 2007) and a two-factor structure (Gecht et al., 2014). To further explore the factor structure, Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) was applied. Golino AS: ω = 0.86) and good discriminant validity (negative correlation with the EQ's rumination items). This confirms the two-factor structure of the EQ, consistent with theoretical models and other decentering questionnaires. In Study 2, the factor structure of the SSAM, developed by Harris et al. (2019), was examined. The SSAM assesses various self-affirmation strategies (e.g., affirmation through personal strengths or principles) in response to threats to self-esteem posed by people or events. Harris et al. (2019) originally identified a three-factor structure in the SSAM, consisting of Strengths, Values, and Social Relationships. Since the SSAM’s factor structure had not yet been independently validated, the study had two goals: first, to test the original three-factor structure in a larger, more representative sample, and second, to explore whether self-affirmation could be integrated into a resource model. To this end, the SSAM items were divided into internal and external resources. The original three-factor structure and the two-factor structure were tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed that the two-factor structure (Internal Resources, External Resources) provided the best fit for the data. The findings from Studies 1 and 2 could inspire future research to further explore the role of decentering in self-esteem regulation. Since self-esteem is considered a transdiagnostic factor and is often low in individuals with depression, it is important to examine mechanisms like decentering in this context. Numerous studies have already shown that strengthening decentering has positive effects on mental well-being and psychopathology. Future research should investigate whether these findings can also be applied to self-esteem regulation.