Evidence of psychometric adequacy of the Financial Infidelity Scale

Abstract

Financial infidelity involves withholding financial matters from one’s partner. It can be both a cause and a consequence of marital conflicts and is a topic still underexplored in the literature. The objective was to adapt and seek evidence of validity and accuracy for the Financial Infidelity Scale (FIS) in Brazil. Two studies involved 513 married individuals, in stable unions or cohabiting, who responded to the FIS and sociodemographic questions. Data were analyzed using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, convergent validity and Item Response Theory. Results demonstrated the instrument’s unidimensionality with appropriate internal consistency, as well as proposing a short version of the scale that also presented a reliable and unidimensional structure. Therefore, both versions exhibited a reliable unidimensional structure and showed similar correlations with neuroticism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. The FIS proved suitable for use in future research in the country.

Keywords:
finances; marital relationships; validation; accuracy; psychometrics