Validating the state motivation to foster social connections scale

Abstract

Motivations to foster social connections drive much of human behavior. While these motivations vary across both situations and time, no scale exists assessing them at the state level. In the current work, we develop such a state measure, yielding a two-factor solution: motivation to foster social connections with existing and with new social targets. Across nine studies with almost 2000 participants, the scale shows good factor structure and reliability, as well as convergent and divergent validity. In two experimental studies, it also showed sensitivity to manipulations of regulatory focus and hunger. Implications for future research on social interactions and other uses of the scale are discussed.

Keywords: Belonging; affiliation; scale development; state measures.