Development and Validation of a Scale for the Measurement of Adolescents’ Developmental Assets in the Neighborhood

• DOI: 10.1007/s11205-011-9822-9
• Publication Date: 2011-03-06T23:51:01Z
• Authors: Alfredo Oliva; Lucía Antolín; Ana María López
• Keywords: 4. Education; 05 social sciences; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess features of a neighborhood that are relevant to the development and adjustment of adolescents. First, a scale was created from a literature review. Second, the content validity of this scale was validated through expert opinion. Finally, the scale was administered to a sample population for analysis of its psychometric properties. The sample consisted of 2,400 adolescents (1,068 boys and 1,332 girls) between ages 12 and 17 who were secondary students in public and private schools in Western Andalusia. The results demonstrate the adequacy of the psychometric properties of the constructed scale.