Development and Initial Validation of the Multidimensional Sense of Emptiness Scale

Abstract

The present study describes the development and initial validation of the Multidimensional Sense of Emptiness Scale, a measure based on a theoretically and empirically grounded conceptualization of emptiness. In the first sample (n = 541), an exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors, Sense of Inner Emptiness, Sense of Absence of Relatedness, and Sense of Meaninglessness, explaining 82.8% of the variance with 13 items. In an additional sample (n = 212), a confirmatory factor analysis supported this three-factorial solution's stability. Furthermore, all subscales were significantly related to a single, second-order factor. In the total sample (N = 753), subscale and full-scale items offered evidence of satisfactory internal consistency and convergent validity. We discuss study limitations and implications for counseling practice, advocacy, education, training, and research.