Validation of the Scale of Perceived Overqualification Among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Purpose: Perceived overqualification refers to the perception that one's education, skills, and competencies exceed job requirements. Although widely examined internationally, no validated instrument has been available to assess this construct among nurses in Croatia. The purpose of this study was to validate the Croatian version of the Scale of Perceived Overqualification (SPOQ) and examine its associations with selected job-related outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 90 registered nurses in Croatia. The SPOQ was translated using a double back-translation procedure. Internal consistency was assessed using coefficient alpha, and construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, comparing one- and two-factor models. Associations between SPOQ scores, job satisfaction, ambition alignment, and turnover intentions were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Results: The Croatian SPOQ demonstrated good internal consistency (coefficient alpha = .830). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure distinguishing perceived underutilization of skills from perceived educational/experiential mismatch. Higher perceived overqualification was significantly associated with lower job satisfaction, ambition alignment, and higher turnover intentions. Perceived underutilization emerged as the stronger predictor of job-related outcomes. Conclusions: The findings support the reliability and construct validity of the Croatian SPOQ and confirm its relevance for nursing workforce research. The distinction between underutilization and formal mismatch provides additional insights into the mechanisms linking overqualification with dissatisfaction and turnover intentions.