Development and initial validation of the Perceived Scarcity Scale

Abstract

Though socio‐economic status (SES) partially explains the experience of stress and health outcomes, most research to date has relied on a small number of traditional indicators that fail to capture the full domain of socioeconomic factors. The recent reconceptualization of perceived scarcity is proposed as a subjective indicator of SES when attempting to predict both stress and health outcomes. Although a conceptualization of perceived scarcity has been advanced, a psychometrically sound scale is needed to assess the utility and scientific import of this concept. No such scale exists. Therefore, the current paper describes the development, psychometric properties, and initial validation of the Perceived Scarcity Scale (PScS). Four studies using traditional scale development processes were employed to develop (Studies 1 and 2) and provide an initial validation (Studies 3 and 4) for the PScS. Results support the existing model of perceived scarcity and indicate that the measure is valid. Moreover, the scale predicted concurrent perceived stress, as well as longitudinal ratings of perceived stress, global health, quality of life, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The development of the new scale provides clinicians and researchers with a brief, validated measure that can assess the level of perceived scarcity individuals currently experience.

College student mental health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications of campus relocation

“…Loss of sentimental belongings has been associated with PTSD and depression symptoms following a natural disaster, and perceived tangible losses is a predictor of distress after disaster ( Ironson et al, 1997 ; Paul et al, 2014 ). Either the actual loss of their personal belongings or the adverse circumstances that led to the loss of personal belongings might can trigger a scarcity mindset, which is associated with stress, anxiety, and impaired problem-solving, and could explain why students who reported leaving personal belongings were more vulnerable to a range of poor psychological outcomes ( DeSousa et al, 2020 ).…”

Psychological risks to mother–infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Social support is imperative for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of mothers ( 40 , 41 ), and an important factor to consider in understanding maternal-infant bonding as an outcome ( 42 ). Social support protects against the adverse effects of stress ( 43 ), that can promote a better mother-child relationship ( 44 , 45 ).…”

Effects of perceived scarcity on COVID‐19 consumer stimulus spending: The roles of ontological insecurity and mutability in predicting prosocial outcomes

“…We next assessed perceived scarcity using a range of scarcity experiences that one might encounter. Participants answered questions assessing their perceived relational scarcity (e.g., “There are people in my life I can go to for support when I need it;” four items; α = 0.89), knowledge scarcity (e.g., “If there is something I need to know, I know where to look up the information;” four items; α = 0.87), material scarcity (e.g., “I have had to borrow money from family or friends to pay my bills;” five items; α = 0.84), and time scarcity (e.g., “I have enough time to meet all of my responsibilities;” five items; α = 0.79) from DeSousa et al ( 2020 ). These four scarcity subscales were recoded where necessary such that a higher score reflected greater perceived scarcity and then combined into a composite perceived scarcity variable (18 items; α = 0.84).…”

“…Scarcity has typically been associated with potentially adverse outcomes for individuals including increased valuation of material goods (Chaplin & John, 2007 ), increased impulsivity and risk‐taking (Griskevicius et al, 2013 ), borrowing of future resources for present needs (Leary & Ridinger, 2020 ), declining physical and mental health (DeSousa et al, 2020 ), and increased competitive orientation (Roux et al, 2015 ). Recent research, however, has begun to investigate scarcity's more positive and prosocial consequences.…”