Carnegie Mellon University

Perceived Community


Title

SC Perceived Community Scale (PCOM)

Study

PCS3

Copyright Information

Not a copyrighted scale

Primary Reference

The PCOM was based on the work from:
Heidrich, S. M. & Ryff, C. D. (1993). Physical and mental health in later life: The self-system as a mediator. Psychological Aging, 8, 327-338. (Modification)

Purpose

To assess the degree to which subjects perceive themselves as belonging to their respective communities

Description

Respondents use a 6-point rating scale to indicate the extent to which they agree with several self-referent statements regarding feelings of belonging to a community.

Scaling

1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Moderately Disagree, 3 = Slightly Disagree, 4 = Slightly Agree, 5 = Moderately Agree, 6 = Strongly Disagree

Number of Items

10

Sample Items

  • I often feel like I belong.
  • I would be missed if I moved far away.

Psychometrics

Internal consistency in PCS3 (n = 212): Cronbach’s α = 0.80

Scoring/Variables

Reversed Items: 6
Total Community Belonging Score: Sum items: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6R, 7, 8, 9, 10