The Ambivalent Individual: Validation Studies for the Trait Ambivalence Scale

The Trait Ambivalence Scale (TAS) consists of ten statements reflecting the general tendency to feel ambivalent. The studies presented here examined the psychometric properties, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and concurrent validity of this scale. Findings revealed the expected one-factor structure, good internal consistency, and temporal consistency after four weeks. Higher scores on the TAS were positively related to higher subjective and objective ambivalence towards various attitude objects, establishing criterion validity. Moreover, individuals with higher TAS scores reported more topics that they felt ambivalent about. Establishing concurrent validity, the TAS was moderately positively related to Indecisiveness, Dialectical Thinking, and Fear of Invalidity. The relationship with Need for Cognition was inconclusive. The Trait Ambivalence Scale provides a valuable tool to assess individual differences in people’s general tendency to experience ambivalence and opens up new avenues of research into the ambivalent individual.