Factor structure and validity of the Affective Style Questionnaire

Previous studies in different countries have shown variability in the factor structures of the Affective Style Questionnaire, possibly due to differences in cultures, translation, or statistical approaches. We ran exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotation using data from 2806 university students in Southern California. A four-factor structure was found instead of the three-factor structure found in the original Affective Style Questionnaire studies in the Northeastern United States. Support for concurrent and convergent validity was found for the Concealing and Adjusting factors. The Tolerating and Holding factors comprised two items each, making it difficult to recommend them in future studies.