A bifactor-based Academic PsyCap Questionnaire for students and fresh graduates

Introduction. In the last two decades, great attention has been devoted to the four dimensions of the psychological capital (PsyCap): self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience. These individual differences have been found to positively influence both academic and professional outcomes. This work aims to develop a bifactor-based version of the Academic PsyCap Questionnaire (APCQ), which is an instrument specifically meant for students and fresh graduates. Method. Cross-sectional data were collected in a large sample of Italian fresh graduates (N = 1,603). Data were analysed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The invariance of the APCQ across males and females and across bachelor and master graduates was tested through Multiple-Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses. The relationships of the scores at the APCQ and its four scales with the soft skills were explored through Pearson’s correlations. Results. The questionnaire includes 20 items that have been found to adequately assess the four dimensions of self-efficacy, resilience, optimism, and hope, as well as the general factor of psychological capital. The bifactor structure of the instrument is in line with the definition of PsyCap in the literature. The APCQ was found to be invariant across genders and levels of academic degrees. Moreover, the APCQ scales were found to be positively associated with a set of soft skills that are relevant to achieving academic and professional success. Discussion and Conclusion. The paper provides researchers, practitioners, and educators with a valid and reliable instrument that may help them to effectively evaluate PsyCap dimensions in students and fresh graduates in order to design effective interventions and tailored educational programs.