- The aim of the study is to propose the Italian version of the multifactor resistance to change scale (RTC) developed by Oreg (2003), and to examine its psychometric properties. The research was conducted via self-administered questionnaires on a group of 324 adults, men and women, currently employed. Correlations were computed between RTC and measures of personality factors (Big Five), sensation seeking, need for cognitive closure, emotional control, cognitive abilities, and political orientation. Then, the correlation between RTC and social desirability was computed. Moreover, differences in RTC scores between sub-groups with a different amount of change experiences were analysed. Finally, via multiple regression analysis, the best predictors of RTC were identified. RTC factorial structure, made up of four first-order factors and a single second-order factor, was supported by confirmatory factor analysis results. The internal consistency was also acceptable. RTC measure was negatively correlated with extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability and openness (Big Five), sensation seeking, and emotional control. The correlation between RTC and need for cognitive closure was high and positive. The correlation between RTC and social desirability was week and negative, and no correlations at all resulted between RTC, cognitive ability and political orientation. Participants with a high number of change experiences had a lower RTC scores when compared with those with a low number of change experiences. Finally, need for cognitive closure was the most important predictor of resistance to change score.
The mediating role of national identification, binding foundations and perceived threat on the relationship between need for cognitive closure and prejudice against migrants in Malta
