Lown, 1990

“Attitudes Toward Seeking Financial Counseling: Instrument Development”
(Financial
Counseling and Planning, Volume 1, 1990)

By: JEAN M. LOWN AND JANEEN COOK

The validity and reliability of an instrument to assesses attitudes
toward seeking financial
counseling were evaluated. Content validity was affirmed by a jury of
educators, counselors and
researchers. Criterion-related validity was supported by comparing
scores to three criterion
questions. Construct validity was evaluated by examining the
relationship between scores and
gender and socioeconomic status. Factor analysis produced three
factors: confidence/ willingness
to seek help, stigma tolerance, and self-sufficiency. The scale had
high internal consistency
reliability. Counselors could use the Financial Counseling Attitude
Scale to assess attitudes of
clients to identify those needing additional reinforcement and
encouragement. Educators could
employ the instrument to enhance student self-understanding and to
encourage discussion of
financial issues between partners. Recommendations for further research
and implications for
marketing financial counseling are suggested.

KEY WORDS: attitudes, financial counseling

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