Measuring Contemplation-Based Spiritual Development: Conceptualization and Psychometric Analysis
Gülvade Köroğlu, Saffet Kartopu
Spiritual Psychology and Counseling October 3, 2026 DOI: 10.37898/spiritualpc.1833078 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Scale development and validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 806 |
| Population | Adults aged 18-65 years in two independent samples (357 for exploratory factor analysis, 409 for confirmatory factor analysis), plus 40 pilot participants |
| Measures | Contemplation-Based Spiritual Development Scale, Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, test-retest reliability |
| Key points | The 7-item Contemplation-Based Spiritual Development Scale showed a unidimensional structure explaining 53.4% of variance, high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .84), and good confirmatory fit (CFI = .98, GFI = .97, RMSEA = .067). The authors conclude it is a psychometrically sound instrument for research in the psychology of religion. |
Abstract
Contemplation is considered a fundamental consciousness practice that supports spiritual development in both classical Islamic thought and modern spiritual approaches. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure individuals’ contemplation-based spiritual development levels. Following a literature review and conceptual framework establishment an initial item pool was created. Expert opinions ensured content validity resulting in an 11-item draft form. Pilot testing with 40 participants demonstrated temporal consistency via test-retest methodology. For the main application, data were collected from two independent adult samples (18-65 years) 357 participants for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and 409 for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). EFA led to the removal of four items due to low factor loadings or high correlations, resulting in a final 7-item scale. The revised EFA indicated excellent sampling adequacy (KMO=0.87) and a significant Bartlett’s test. The scale demonstrated a unidimensional structure, explaining 53.4% of the total variance, with high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=.84). CFA confirmed excellent model fit (χ²/df=2.84, RMSEA=.067, CFI=.98, GFI=.97). The resultant 7-item Contemplation-Based Spiritual Development Scale is a psychometrically sound instrument expected to contribute to research in psychology of religion and serve as a foundation for similar measurement tools.