Perceived psychosocial success scale: an objective measure for evaluating the current state of psychosocial success in a multidimensional mode

Purpose Despite extensive literature, there is a paucity of objective measures of success. The current research aims at developing and validating the perceived psychosocial success scale (PPSS), an objective tool for evaluating the current levels of a person’s success across significant life domains. Design/methodology/approach The development and validation of the PPSS involved three consecutive studies with a total of 576 adults (aged 18–82 with mean age = 34 years, men = 47.5%). The studies included exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity assessment and discriminant validity assessment. Findings Study 1 involved focus group discussion that resulted in 40 indicators of success. The EFA (Study 2) Identified 11 valid indicators grouped into four factors: flourishing, desirability, fulfillment and validation, explaining 81.418% of variance. CFA (Study 3) confirmed the factor structure, demonstrating good model fit (comparative fit index (: 0.962, root mean square error of approximation: 0.067). The PPSS showed high internal consistency (α = 0.894) and good item-total and item-scale correlations (p < 0.01). Convergent validity (Study 2) was established through a strong positive correlation with the psychosocial life satisfaction scale (r = 0.418, p < 0.01), while discriminant validity (Study 2) was confirmed via a significant inverse correlation with the hopelessness scale (r = −0.870, p < 0.01). Originality/value The four identified factors of psychosocial success in the PPSS provide a comprehensive framework for understanding success. The PPSS offers a standardized approach for researchers and clinicians to assess the current levels of a person’s psychosocial success at various dimensions, contributing to a holistic understanding of psychosocial health.