Exploring the dimensionality of the reflective functioning questionnaire in the context of Maldives higher education
Date
2021-12-31
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Abstract
Reflective functioning positively affects students' mental wellbeing. There are alternative scales already developed for measuring reflective functioning among which the reflective functioning questionnaire (RFQ) is one of the most widely used. Nonetheless, there have been some criticisms about RFQ in the recent literature, particularly concerning its dimensionality. This study intends to explore the dimensionality of RFQ in the context of higher education institutions of the Maldives. We gathered data from a sample of 333 students enrolled in higher education programs in various disciplines. Data were analysed following procedures of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine the factor structure of the RFQ in the study context. Findings indicate that the reflective functioning of students, measured in the context of Maldivian higher education is a unidimensional construct. As the dimensionality of RFQ is a question that is being debated in current literature, and such validation is required in various contexts, this study adds to scholarly work on measuring reflective functioning. While future researchers may adhere to these findings when measuring reflective functioning, we proclaim that further studies are required to confirm our findings.
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Higher Education