The Emotional Contagion Scale: Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties in a Portuguese Sample

Abstract

This manuscript examined the psychometric properties and factor structure of the emotional contagion scale in a Portuguese sample. The original scale was first given to a sample of 1445 individuals to verify its internal consistency. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Results suggested that the data from the emotional contagion scale are best fit by a one-factor model. Differences between sexes were assessed and higher susceptibility to emotional contagion was observed in women than in men. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses were also conducted. The Portuguese version of the emotional contagion scale also had good internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities; thus it is a psychometrically sound measure within a Portuguese population.