Norm values and psychometric properties for the German health regulatory focus scale - results of a representative survey

Background The health regulatory focus is an application of Higgins' regulatory focus theory to a health-specific context. It explains individual differences in health motivation, strategies, and behavior. Previous research found the Health Regulatory Focus Scale (HRFS) to be a reliable and valid measure for the construct. However, an evaluation of the HRFS in a representative sample has not been performed as of yet. Neither are there any normative values available. Methods We collected a representative sample from the German general population to perform a confirmatory factor analysis, an analysis of measurement invariance, and to calculate norm values. Results A two-factor model evinced good model fit with a good reliability for the two subscales. We found evidence for strict invariance across gender groups and partial strict invariance across age groups. In addition, we are presenting normative values for the general population. Conclusions The findings of the present study are in line with previous research in confirming the HRFS as a valid and reliable tool suitable for the assessment of the health regulatory focus. The reported normative values allow for comparisons of individuals with their respective sociodemographic group.