Event: XVIII Congresso Nazionale della Sezione di Psicologia Sociale dell’AIP, 5-7 SETTEMBRE 2024, Università degli Studi di Torino – Complesso Aldo Moro

Contribution: Construction and validation of a measurement scale to assess different motivations for participating in cancer screenings

Authors: Marcella Bianchi, Miriam Capasso

Abstract: Introduction. Given the importance of early diagnosis in reducing mortality and severity associated with cancer, understanding the psychosocial determinants of participation in cancer screenings (CS) is crucial. Among the constructs that provide a framework for the processes leading individuals to participate, literature has highlighted the importance of cognitive and emotional factors. However, specific motivational components have not received adequate attention. Objectives and methods. This study aims to develop and validate a measurement tool for the multiple motivations underpinning participation in CS. A convenience sample of 591 participants from the target population for colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screenings completed a custom-built online questionnaire designed to measure motivation and adherence behaviour to the three CS, an adaptation of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire focused on CS participation, a measure of cognitive and affective attitude towards CS, social norms, and perceived behavioural control. Results. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a six-dimensional structure comprising motivations related to self-care, care for loved ones, fear of cancer and its consequences, previous experience with cancer, influence of public figures, and social network influence. Subsequently, a confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated adequate fit indices and supported the six-factor structure without a second-order factor (CFI = 0.91; TLI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.06; SRMR = 0.05). Regression analyses on behaviour highlight good predictive validity. Correlations with considered variables further suggest adequate convergent and divergent validity. Conclusions. The results confirm the robustness and validity of the proposed scale, which emerges as a valid tool for understanding a diverse set of motivations underlying adherence behaviours to CS.