Assessment of the psychometric properties of the Alcohol-Related Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (PBSS)

The aim was to examine the theoretical constructs and psychometric structure of the Protective Behavioural Strategies Scale (PBSS). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA, CFA) were conducted on data from two studies. Only data from registered university students (18-25 years) were included. EFA supported a two-factor solution for the PBSS accounting for 43.07% of the variance, with Stopping Limiting Drinking (SLD) and Manner of Drinking (MOD) retained as factors. Item loadings were dissimilar to those in the original scale. CFA was completed to test the replicability and reliability of the model. Alpha coefficients ranged from poor (. 58) to acceptable (. 72). Results raise concerns about the psychometric structure of the PBS scale and future research should consider cultural and age differences.