Psychometric evaluation of the Spiritual/Religious Perfectionism Scale

The present study examined psychometric properties of a 20-item Spiritual/Religious Perfectionism Scale (SRPS-20) in adult students. The aim of the study was developmental-applied and the method of gathering data was field research. The statistical population of the study 1 consisted of adult students, both under graduated and graduated, from the University of Tehran in the academic year of 2018-2019. The statistical population of the study 2 consisted of adults from general population living in Tehran in the years of 2018 and 2019. Factor structure of the SRPS-20 investigated using exploratory factor analyses in study 1 (368 university students) as well as using confirmatory factor analyses in study 2 (384 community adults). Convergent and discriminant validity of the SRPS-20 were examined through its correlations with measures of ego strength, mental health, and positive/negative affects in the 2 studies based on Ego Strength Scale (Besharat, 2016), Mental Health Inventory (Veit & Ware, 1983), and Positive and Negative Affects Schedule (Watson, Clarke & Tellegen, 1988), respectively. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the SRPS-20 were also investigated in the 2 studies. The results of both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a general factor structure for the SRPS-20. The convergent and discriminant validity of the SRPS-20 were supported by an expected pattern of correlations between the scale and the measures of ego strength, psychological well-being, psychological distress, and positive and negative affects. Based on the preliminary evidence provided by the present study it can be concluded that the SRPS-20 is a reliable and valid scale to measure spiritual/religious perfectionism.