Development of Social Interest Scale for Elementary School Students

Abstract

This study examines the validity and reliability of constructing a social interest scale for elementary school students (SISESS). The participants consisted of 134 public elementary school students (64 boys and 70 girls) between the third and sixth grade. The results of a factor analysis reveal two factors: others-schema of social interest (OSSI) (5 items, α=.87) and self-schema of social interest (SSSI) (5 items, α=.77). In addition, the OSSI and SSSI scores are positively associated with the self-worth score (r=.60, p<.01, r=.43, p<.01) and negatively related to the depression score. (r=-.67, p<.01, r=-.37, p<.01). These findings support the validity and reliability of creating a SISESS as a measure of schemata regarding social interest.