Bagozzi, R. P., & Moore, D. J.
On the dimensionality and construct validity of the Affect Intensity Measure
We propose and find a six-factor structure for the Affect Intensity Measure (AIM). The factors are labeled general (i.e., non-valenced) affect intensity, negative affectivity, guilt, threat to self-identity, serenity, and positive affectivity. Construct validity was established a) internally with regard to convergent and discriminant validity of measures of the six dimensions of the AIM and b) externally for discriminant validity between measures of the need for cognition and the six AIM dimensions and for criterion-related validity between measures of empathy and the six AIM dimensions. All the above analyses were done separately for women (N = 413) and men (N = 333). Further analyses established the invariance of the factor structure, factor loadings, error variances, and factor variance-covariance matrix for men and women. Finally, women were found to experience affect more intensely than men on all six dimensions of the AIM.
