Factor structure, reliability and validity of forgiveness trait scale (TFC) in Iranian adolescents

The purpose of the study was to investigate the factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the forgiveness scale. The method of this research was descriptive and factor analysis type. For this purpose, 404 male students of the first secondary level of Tehran city were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling in the academic year of 2018-2019 and responded to the Trait Scale of Forgiveness (TFC) by Barry et al. (2005). The factorial structure of the scale was analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the internal consistency of the instrument by Cronbach’s alpha, and its validity by a convergent method using the Bar-An (1997) empathy scale tool (EQ_EM). Each of the confirmatory factor analysis indicators of the mentioned scale, including GFI, AGFI, NFI, and CFI, had a suitable value. The alpha coefficient of the entire questionnaire was also 0.79 and the Guttman coefficient for the whole scale was 0.85. The factor loadings of all items were higher than 0.55 and statistically significant at the p<0.001 level. Convergent validity with the empathy scale was also reported to be significant at the level of 0.54 at p<0.001. Therefore, due to the good fit of the model, appropriate validity, and high reliability of the forgiveness attribute scale, it can be used to investigate and measure interpersonal forgiveness in Iranian adolescent students.