Psychometric Properties of the Psychological Emptiness Scale in an Iranian Population
Keywords:
emptiness, Psychometrics, FactorAnalysis, Statistical, Life Satisfaction, Suicidal Ideation, HopelessnessAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Psychological Emptiness Scale among Iranian university students.
Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive survey design within a psychometric validation framework. The statistical population consisted of university students aged 18 to 24 years in Tehran during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 400 students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Persian version of the Psychological Emptiness Scale, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, while convergent and divergent validity were examined through Pearson correlation coefficients between psychological emptiness, suicidal ideation, and life satisfaction. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and temporal stability was assessed through the test–retest method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and AMOS.
Findings: The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor structure of the scale, consisting of Emotional Emptiness and Existential Emptiness. The model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data, with fit indices of CFI=0.94, TLI=0.92, RMSEA=0.048, and SRMR=0.061. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.88 for the total scale, 0.81 for Emotional Emptiness, and 0.84 for Existential Emptiness, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. In addition, psychological emptiness showed a significant positive correlation with suicidal ideation (r=0.61, p<0.01) and a significant negative correlation with life satisfaction (r=-0.52, p<0.05), supporting the convergent and divergent validity of the instrument.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that the Persian version of the Psychological Emptiness Scale has acceptable psychometric properties in the Iranian student population. The scale demonstrated adequate construct validity, convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency, and temporal stability. Therefore, it can be used as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing psychological emptiness in psychological research, early screening, and clinical intervention planning within the Iranian context.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Donya Borzouei (Author); Mohsen Kachooei; Omid Shokri (Author)
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