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Universal worth: construct and scale development
1Social Sciences Division, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA 90263, USA. steve.rouse@pepperdine.edu
Journal of Personality Assessment
|December 20, 2011
Summary
Researchers explored universal worth, a belief in inherent value independent of external factors. This study developed and validated the Universal Worth Scale (UWS) to measure this prosocial self-worth construct.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Negative self-esteem forms correlate with undesirable behaviors.
- Prosocial self-worth offers an alternative perspective on belief in one's value.
- Universal worth is defined as divinely granted, non-contingent, and equitable value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a scale measuring universal worth.
- To assess the psychometric properties of the Universal Worth Scale (UWS).
- To differentiate universal worth from other self-worth constructs.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Universal Worth Scale (UWS).
- Psychometric analyses including internal consistency and temporal stability.
- Correlational analyses with related psychological constructs.
Main Results:
- The UWS demonstrated strong internal consistency and temporal stability.
- UWS scores showed expected correlations with related measures.
- The correlational pattern indicated UWS measures a distinct construct.
Conclusions:
- The Universal Worth Scale (UWS) is a reliable and valid measure of universal worth.
- Universal worth represents a distinct and potentially prosocial foundation for self-worth.
- Further research should investigate universal worth in relation to sociometer and terror management theories.
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