The results of the preliminary validation of the Polish version of the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale

  • Bogusława Lachowska The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Institute of Psychology
  • Karolina Ludwikowska The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Institute of Psychology
Keywords: tolerance of ambiguity; intolerance of ambiguity; measure

Abstract

This paper presents the Polish version of the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (MSTAT-II) developed by D. L. McLain: a short 13-item measure of an individual’s orientation, ranging from aversion to attraction, toward stimuli that are complex, unfamiliar, and insoluble. The aim of the study was to determine the validity and reliability of the scale. The participants in the study were 303 first-year students, aged 17 to 24: 234 women and 69 men. The authors chose this kind of sample because the significance of ambiguity tolerance should be particularly high in the case of the individual’s adaptation to the demands of a new and complex situation, such as the beginning of studies. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the hypothesized one-factor structure of the model of ambiguity tolerance. The study also revealed a moderate positive relationship between MSTAT-II/PL scores and scores on the Tolerance for Ambiguity Scale (TAS) by Herman and colleagues, measuring ambiguity tolerance; MSTAT-II/PL scores were positively related to extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness, positive affect, and satisfaction with life, as well as negatively related to neuroticism and negative affect. The results obtained support the use of the Polish version of the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale as a reliable (Cronbach’s α = .85) and valid measure of ambiguity tolerance.

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Published
2019-04-08
Section
Articles