Financially focused self-concept: Measurement invariance, stability, and concurrent validity

People with a financially focused self-concept overvalue the importance of financial success for self-definition and self-worth. Herein, we examined whether the measurement properties of the financially focused self-concept scale (FFS) are invariant over time and across different demographic groups of people who gamble. We also assessed the temporal stability and concurrent validity of the FFS. In Study 1 (N=147), community players completed the 4-item FFS and problem gambling severity index (PGSI) on two assessments about four weeks apart. In Study 2 (N=135), students who gamble completed the FFS and PGSI about 6-7 months apart. In Studies 1 and 2, FFS had strong temporal measurement invariance and moderate-to-high temporal stability. FFS and PGSI were also positively associated within and across assessments in Studies 1 and 2. Additionally, in Study 2, an increase in FFS over time was accompanied by an increase in PGSI. FFS also had partial measurement invariance across community and student players. Findings provide support for assumptions of longitudinal and comparative research designs. Findings are anchored in prior research on the effects of a focused self-concept in other domains. We also call for longitudinal and comparative gambling research on the antecedents and consequences of a financially focused self-concept.