Validation of the Valuing Questionnaire (VQ) in adults with cardiovascular disease and risk

• Published in: Journal of contextual behavioral science 2020-07, Vol.17, p.144-151
• Main Authors: Kibbey, Mindy M., DiBello, Angelo M., Babu, Anagha A., Farris, Samantha G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceptance and Commitment therapy; Assessment; Behavioral medicine; Health behavior change; Psychometric validity; Values
• ISSN: 2212-1447; 2212-1455
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.07.006

A common behavioral therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease is activation of values-consistent living, which can facilitate positive lifestyle behavior change. However, the empirical study of values-consistent living has been limited by significant heterogeneity in measurement due to the absence of a ‘gold-standard’ assessment tool. The Valuing Questionnaire (VQ), a 10-item self-report measure that taps progress in and obstruction of values-consistent living, is well suited for use in research and clinical settings, yet its psychometric properties have been limitedly examined despite its frequent use. The current study utilized data from an anonymous online survey to evaluate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the VQ in adults (n = 252) with a self-reported history of cardiovascular disease or elevated disease risk. Results from a confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the two-factor structure, reflecting progress towards values and obstruction of valued living. Additionally, the VQ factor scores evidenced internal consistency, convergent, concurrent, and incremental predictive validity. VQ factors scores also evidenced known groups validity, distinguishing between those with/without psychological distress. The VQ appears to be an adequate measure of progress and obstruction towards valued-consistent living for use among adults at risk for or with cardiovascular disease. Findings support the use of the VQ in behavioral medicine research and practice. •Valued-living is important for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.•Valuing Questionnaire (VQ) is a brief, domain-general self-report of valued living.•Results confirm two-factor structure of VQ: valued-living progress and obstruction.•VQ factor scores evidence internal consistency, convergent and predictive validity.•The VQ is well-suited for use in behavioral medicine research and practice.