The Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Embarrassment

Abstract

The purpose of the current research was to develop and validate the Embarrassment Scale in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the embarrassment experience and to address the lack of attention given to this emotional phenomenon within the Turkish cultural context. The study involved 429 participants (Mage = 22.30, SD = 4.32) and focused on the psychometric properties of the Embarrassment Scale. The scale comprises twenty-eight items organized into three factors (self-oriented negative embarrassment, self-oriented positive embarrassment, and other-oriented negative embarrassment), and was validated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The analysis revealed a three-factor structure consisting of separate dimensions of embarrassment. The scale demonstrated robust psychometric characteristics, including substantial internal consistency and validity. Additionally, exploratory factor analysis and correlations with related constructs such as shame, guilt, and vicarious embarrassment supported the convergent validity of the scale. The results were particularly significant in that they highlighted the distinctive cultural characteristics of embarrassment that are unique to the Turkish society. Specifically, Western conceptualizations do not prominently emphasize the experience of embarrassment in response to positive events or social praise. These findings underscore the importance of considering cultural nuances when evaluating emotions and highlight the utility of the Embarrassment Scale for practical and research purposes within the Turkish society. Further investigation is warranted to examine the cross-cultural validity of the scale and its applicability in diverse cultural settings.

Keywords

• embarrassment
• embarrassment scale
• shame
• guilt
• scale development

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