Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Self-Expansion Questionnaire in Brazil

This study aimed to enhance the understanding of self-expansion in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts by establishing the validity of a Brazilian Portuguese translation of the Self-Expansion Questionnaire (SEQ, Lewandowski & Aron, 2002). A total of 1,366 participants were engaged across three data collections phases in this investigation, employing an online survey methodology. In the initial phase (203 participants, 73,94% females), we explored the factor structures of the scales through exploratory factor analyses. The second data collection phase (1,064 participants, 58,4% females) evaluated the cultural adjustment to a specific item and conducted a confirmatory factor analysis. The third data collection phase (99 participants, 68,7% females) tested the convergent validity of the self-expansion scale, utilizing openness to experience and general self-efficacy as external measures. The Brazilian version of the SEQ, comprising 13 items (excluding item 4, due to its incongruence with the Brazilian context) demonstrated strong internal reliability (α=0,91; ω=0,92), suggesting its suitability for Brazilian populations. The lack of convergent validity with external measures (self-efficacy and openness to experience) was contrary to patterns observed in other cultures contexts. Our research provides valuable insights into the cultural nuances influencing self-expansion among Brazilians, prompting further inquiries into its specific meanings and psychometric properties within this population.