A French Version of the Action Control Scale (ACS-Fr): Psychometric Properties and Predictive Power

Yann S. Bouzidi; Guido H. E. Gendolla

doi:10.5334/spo.37

Abstract

This article presents four studies. Study 1 reports the development and psychometric properties of a French version of the Action Control Scale (ACS-Fr) (Kuhl, 1994a)—a frequently used instrument for assessing individual differences in action-state orientation in self-regulation. Studies 2–4 tested the predictive power of the ACS-Fr regarding individuals’ ability to escape from rumination, initiate action, and maintain goal-directed behavior—three major components of efficient action control. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analysis revealed a revised three-factor model (with 24 items) fitting the scale’s structure well. Regression analyses suggest convergent validity of the ACS-Fr in terms of associations with related self-regulation capacities and problems and a moderate overlap with the Big Five global personality traits. Further speaking for the ACS-Fr validity and its predictive power, we found preliminary evidence that action-oriented individuals ruminated less (Study 2), engaged in action more easily (Study 3), and persisted longer in a cognitive control task (Study 4) than state-oriented people.

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A French Version of the Action Control Scale (ACS-Fr): Psychometric Properties and Predictive Power

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