Mental Accounting: an approach to developing and validating a measurement scale

The development of scales to measure the mental accounting construct under a confirmatory approach still represents a gap in the literature. To meet this need, this study uses Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to construct a reliable and valid instrument, resulting in the Mental Accounting Scale (MAS). The methodology followed a rigorous multistage process, in which the main dimensions of the MAS were based on the literature and, subsequently, evaluated for their dimensionality through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The CFA results indicated a good fit of the model, confirming two proposed dimensions: Segregation of Gains and Losses and [Lack of] Self-Control. Statistical indices, such as chi-square, chi-square/degrees of freedom ratio, CFI, TLI, SRMR and RMSEA, reached values ​​considered predominant in the literature. In addition, the Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) coefficients reinforced the adequacy of the model. By presenting an empirically tested and validated instrument for measuring mental accounting, this study fills an existing theoretical gap, providing guidance for the area of ​​behavioral sciences.