Investigating the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Psychological Emptiness Scale (PES) among nursing students.

Abstract

Background: Psychological emptiness plays a significant role in the mental health of nursing students. However, there is currently no valid Persian instrument for measuring psychological emptiness in Iranian nursing students.

Aim: This study aimed to translate and investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Psychological Emptiness Scale among Iranian nursing students.

Methods: In this methodological study, after translating and assessing the face and content validity of the Persian version of the Psychological Emptiness Scale, 400 nursing students were selected through proportional quota sampling from four nursing and midwifery colleges affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2024. The factorial structure of the measure was assessed using exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was then undertaken. Finally, the reliability, including internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and the convergent and divergent validity of the measure were evaluated.

Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis revealed that a three-factor structure accounted for 60.20% of the total variance. The results of the CFA revealed that the three-factor model of the Persian version of the Psychological Emptiness Scale had good or acceptable fit indices. The reliability of the total scale was calculated with a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.949, McDonald's omega of 0.949, and ICC of 0.840, suggesting acceptable reliability. Results also showed that the convergent and divergent validity of the measure were satisfactory.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the Persian version of the 19-item PES is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing psychological emptiness in Iranian nursing students.