Examining Youth Leadership Through the Development and Validation of a Self-Report Measure: The Youth Leadership Questionnaire (YLQ)

A measure of youth leadership (YLQ) was developed and validated with a sample of high school students (N =694) and undergraduate university students (N =73). Empirical analysis and theoretical review reduced a 25-item pool to an 18-item self-report questionnaire with 3 factors: Self-Concept, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Efficacy. Internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability were at an exceptional level. Evidence for construct validity and the fit of the model were also adequate. The results were preliminary and represented the initial steps in the construction of the YLQ. With further development, the YLQ could provide researchers, educators, and clinicians with a useful tool to use when answering various questions related to youth leadership.