Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Shirom-Melamed Vigor Measure (SMVM) with Workers in Spain

Abstract

Shirom’s (2003) proposal about engagement focuses on vigor. Under this approach, vigor is considered an affect that mediates the relationship between resources, behaviors and attitudes related to psychological functioning and health. It is important for occupational health professionals to have adequate measures of this construct. The Shirom-Melamed Vigor Measure (SMVM) was developed to capture this sense of energy comprising three components (physical strength, emotional energy and cognitive liveliness). In the absence of a Spanish version of the SMVM, our aim is to perform a cultural adaptation and to further analyze its psychometric properties. In Study 1, we culturally adapt the SMVM in Spanish samples. It incorporates a careful development of a three-step procedure according to the International Test Commission (ITC) and qualitative analyses to ensure a consensus version. Twenty-six individuals were involved. In Study 2, the responses of 203 workers from different organizations show the validity and reliability of the instrument. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) yield a model with three interrelated dimensions showing good fit indices. Furthermore, concurrent validity is demonstrated. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the SMVM for occupational health professionals.