Refinements of sphere-specific measures of perceived control: Development of a sociopolitical control scale

Abstract

Three studies are reported that describe an initial effort to develop an inte-grative measure of sociopolitical control. Items were selected from personality, cognitive, and motivational measures of perceived control using empirical and intuitive criteria. A final set of 17 items was factor analyzed across two samples. Two psychometrically sound factors, Leadership Competence and Policy Control, were identified. Validity analyses with measures of alienation and leadership provided initial support for a two-factor model of sociopolitical control. The scales also distinguished between individuals involved to varying degrees in community organizations and activities for three samples of respondents. Implications for the utility of the Sociopolitical Control Scale for empowerment research and public health interventions are discussed. The limits of the current scales and suggestions for future research are also discussed.