A Study on the Validity of the Arnett ...

The present study examines the psychometric properties and validity of the Italian version of the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS) [1]. Two samples of Italian adolescents, aged from 16 to 19 years, were used to examine the internal structure of the scale (Sample 1, N = 349) and its validity (Sample 2, N = 364). Participants, in addition to the AISS, also completed the section on Risky driving and Alcohol use of the Health Behavior Questionnaire and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MC-SDS). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized two-factor structure of the AISS (Novelty and Intensity). The low reliability of the scale was also confirmed within the Italian context, with alphas ranging from .56 to .71. However, the present study provided support for the good criterion-related and construct validity of the AISS. Altogether, the results provided sufficient support for the validity of the Italian version of the AISS, pointing, however, to certain desirable modifications.