A Comprehensive Psychometric Evaluation of the Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire

Abstract

Future self-continuity is the relationship between an individual’s perception of their present and future selves and is attracting intense interest from researchers in psychology and health. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire (FSCQ), a tool designed to measure an individual’s future self-continuity, in New Zealand’s unique sociocultural context. In Phase 1 we tested the reliability (internal consistency) of the 10 item FSCQ and its three subscales and attempted to replicate the three-factor structure reported previously. In Phase 2 we examined the FSCQ’s correlations with established measures like the Future Self-Continuity Scale (FSCS), Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC-14) Scale, Multidimensional Temporal Self-Continuity Scale (MTSCS), and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Results from the first phase confirmed the FSCQ’s reliability and construct validity, with strong internal consistency (α ranged from.77 to.87) and a good factorial structure (GFI=.97, RMSEA=.04). In the second phase, the FSCQ demonstrated positive correlations with the FSCS, CFC-14, and MTSCS, and negative correlations with the BHS. These findings suggest that the FSCQ reliably measures FSC, has a robust replicable three-factor structure and is consistent with other relevant psychological constructs. This study demonstrates the applicability of the FSCQ outside the United States for the first time.