Adaptation and validation of the spanish version of the moral attentiveness scale

Abstract

The present study adapted and validated Reynolds' (2008) Moral Attentiveness Scale (MAS) for use in Spanish populations (MAS-S). The adaptation process employed a committee approach to ensure linguistic and cultural appropriateness. The validation study (N = 428) included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The results supported the original two-factor structure, explaining 64.2 % of the variance (χ253 = 165, p < .001; CFI = 0.93; TLI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.10). Reliability indices were high (Cronbach's α > 0.90). Convergent and discriminant validity evidence is provided through positive correlations between MAS-S dimensions and theoretically related constructs such as Social Justice Orientation and Empathic Concern and Personal Distress, while no significant associations were found with sacrificial moral dilemmas. These findings establish the MAS-S as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing moral attentiveness in Spanish contexts, with implications for advancing theoretical and practical research in moral psychology.