Evaluation &the Health Professions, Ahead of Print.
The present research aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of the Proactive Vitality Management (PVM) scale. Based on the Job Demands-Resources theory, PVM is a proactive behavior that helps employees manage energy at work. Two studies were conducted to test the reliability and validity of the PVM scale. The first study (N = 477) aimed to validate the Romanian version of PVM and test for measurement invariance related to gender. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a one-factor model and good values of the fit indices. Moreover, the indicators of measurement invariance showed no difference between men and women; both groups interpret the measure in a conceptually similar way. The second study (N = 307) cross-validated the one-factor model, tested discriminant and criterion validity between PVM and other constructs, such as psychological detachment and well-being (e.g., work engagement, health). The results indicated that PVM is indeed a one-factor construct associated with well-being indicators and unrelated to psychological detachment. From a practical perspective, the PVM scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing proactive energy management in organizations and developing strategies and interventions for employees to function optimally and reach their work-related well-being. The study also provides evidence of the PVM in the Job Demands-Resources theory as a proactive behavior at work, which represents a new strategy for employees to function optimally at work by deciding when and how to manage their energy.