Toward a new model of adaptability

Adaptability, defined as "the ability to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification" (Merriam-Webster, 2009), has been studied in a variety of fields, including psychology. Despite widespread use of the term, existing models of adaptability appear to be inadequate. In working towards developing a new, multidimensional model of adaptability, the purpose of the proposed study is to conduct a preliminary investigation using Confirmatory Factor Analysis to a) better understand the relationship among the proposed components of adaptability and b) explore the degree to which these components measure an overarching adaptability construct. The proposed underlying components of adaptability include cognitive flexibility, emotional competence, social skills, and temperament.