Conceptual structure of self-curiosity in Japan

Recently, self-curiosity has attracted scholarly attention as a crucial factor in psychological tests and therapy processes. To measure individuals’ degree of self-curiosity, researchers developed the self-curiosity attitude–interest (SCAI) scale; it originated in Italy and has been applied across cultures. This study investigates whether the original SCAI scale can be adapted in Japan and explores the characteristics of the structure of self-curiosity in Japan. Data from 257 undergraduate students were collected through a website, and exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The original 7-item version of the scale exhibited a poor fit. Therefore, nine new items were added to the statements included in the original scale, and the 16 resulting items were employed to investigate the structure of self-curiosity in Japan. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the Japanese version of the SCAI scale (SCAI-J) comprises seven new items and follows the two-factor structure (i.e., attitude and interest) of the original SCAI scale. In terms of construct validity, the SCAI-J scale produced significant correlations with the Japanese versions of the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Rumination–Reflection Questionnaire as well as the short form of the Japanese Big-Five scale. These results suggest that self-curiosity is a common concept despite the differences among European, Central American and Asian cultures.