Adaptation and Validation of the Croatian Version of the EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Well-being
摘要
Psychological flourishing is linked to numerous positive adolescent outcomes, yet reliable assessment tools remain limited. The EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Well-Being captures five flourishing dimensions: Engagement, Perseverance, Optimism, Connectedness, and Happiness. Although validated in several languages, further cross-cultural research is needed to clarify its applicability and enable international comparisons.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to validate the Croatian version of the EPOCH questionnaire and to introduce a revised Engagement subscale more closely aligned with Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory, emphasizing autotelic, flow-facilitating activities.
MethodsTwo adolescent samples participated. Sample 1 included 321 students (M = 16.27 years, SD = 1.64; 230 girls) who completed the EPOCH together with measures of life satisfaction, self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and physical activity. These data were used to examine the factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis and to assess internal consistency, as well as convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. Sample 2 comprised 44 students (M = 16.80 years, SD = 0.39; 24 girls) who completed the EPOCH across three waves to assess test–retest reliability.
ResultsCFA supported the expected five-factor structure, and the revised Engagement subscale demonstrated improved psychometric properties. All subscales showed satisfactory reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. Positive correlations emerged with life satisfaction and self-efficacy, and negative correlations with depression and anxiety. Measurement invariance across sex was confirmed, and the scale showed good temporal stability across retest intervals.
ConclusionsThe Croatian version of the EPOCH demonstrated adequate psychometric properties. The revised Engagement subscale showed improved psychometric performance and clearer alignment with flow theory.