Desing and validation of a University Student Resilient Capacity Scale (ECRE-U)

Abstract

Resilience is an essential capacity for university students, since it allows them to effectively face the challenges of higher education, facilitating recovery and learning from the adverse situations they continually experience, maintaining an optimistic approach. This article details the design and validation process of the University Student Resilient Capacity Scale (ECRE-U), a psychometric instrument composed of 23 items that measure resilient capacity through three dimensions; emotional competence, social competence and future orientation. The scale was validated on a sample of 202 students from the Universidad Técnica del Norte. Statistical analyzes through Cronbach's Alpha demonstrated an adequate value of internal consistency (.937). A single scale was constructed that explains the level of resilience of men and women (low, medium, high). The ECRE-U represents a useful tool to measure the theoretical construct. However, one of its limitations is that it can only be applied in university contexts, so if the concept is intended to be measured in a population outside of this, the results would not accurately determine the level of resilience. In addition, it is recommended to expand the application sample to confirm its relevance.