Validity and reliability of the Arabic versions of the General Risk Propensity Scale (GRiPS) and the Risk Proneness Short Scale (R-1)

Abstract

Abstract Background Until today, only a few studies have been conducted in Arab countries and settings to understand the prevalence and correlates of engaging in domain-specific risky behaviors. However, no or very little research attention has been paid to risk-taking propensity as a predictor of such behaviors. In this study, we propose to validate two short self‐report measures of general risk propensity in Arabic, the General Risk Propensity Scale (GRiPS) and the Risk Proneness Short Scale (R-1) Methods An online survey was carried-out in a sample of native Arabic-speaking adults from Lebanon (n = 748, mean age of 34.48 ± 13.25 years, 66.5% females). The forward-backward translation method was adopted. Results The original one-factor structure of the GRiPS was replicated in this study, except for two items that were removed (item 4 “I would take a risk even if it meant I might get hurt”, and item 5 “Taking risks is an important part of my life”). Analyses showed that the R-1 loaded on the same factor as the GRiPS, and that its scores correlated positively with GRiPS scores. McDonald’s ω and Cronbach’s α values were very good for both the GRiPS (ω and α values of .89) and the R-1 (ω and α values of .87), indicating internal consistency of the scales. The GRiPS exhibited measurement invariance with respect to gender at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. The R-1 was also found to be gender invariant. Finally, medium-sized positive correlations were found between GRiPS/R-1 scores and the impulsiveness dimensions “sensation seeking” and “urgency”. Conclusion The Arabic GRiPS and the R-1 seem to be suitable and applicable as simple, time-efficient and low-cost self-report measures in a wide range of research areas where an individual's general disposition toward risks plays an important role. If conducting the research under no time constraints or limitations, we would recommend using the GRiPS.