Personal Progress Scale–Revised (PPS-R)

Abstract

The Personal Progress Scale–Revised (PPS-R) is a 28-item self-report instrument developed to assess dimensions of psychological empowerment and personal psychological health, primarily among women. Developed by Johnson, Worell, and Chandler in 2005, the scale captures an individual’s perceived progress across key areas such as autonomy, competence, assertiveness, and social activism. The PPS-R is designed to move beyond traditional deficit models by focusing on strengths and positive growth, making it a valuable tool in counseling and research focused on feminist psychology and women’s development.

Keywords

Personal Progress Scale–Revised, PPS-R, psychological empowerment, women’s mental health, self-report scale, autonomy, assertiveness, social activism

Authors

Johnson, D. M., Worell, J., Chandler, R. K.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Personal Progress Scale–Revised (PPS-R) is to provide a robust, quantitative measure of a woman’s psychological health and her progress toward personal growth goals. It specifically aims to assess constructs related to empowerment that are often overlooked in general psychological scales, such as the ability to confront discrimination and engage in social activism.

This instrument serves as a valuable clinical and research tool for evaluating the efficacy of interventions designed to increase personal agency, improve interpersonal functioning, and foster a sense of control over one’s life. By utilizing a strengths-based approach, the PPS-R helps researchers and practitioners identify areas of progress rather than solely focusing on pathology.

Construct

The PPS-R measures the overarching construct of personal progress and psychological empowerment, defined across seven distinct dimensions identified through factor analysis. These dimensions reflect a comprehensive view of empowerment, encompassing intrapsychic processes (self-perception, control) and interpersonal behaviors (assertiveness, resource utilization), as well as socio-political awareness (cultural discrimination, social activism).

The scale emphasizes how individuals navigate personal relationships, societal expectations, and cultural identity to achieve self-definition and competence. The constructs measured are deeply rooted in feminist psychological theory, acknowledging the unique challenges women face regarding autonomy and self-nurturance in patriarchal contexts.

Validity

Details regarding the scale’s validity are thoroughly presented in the original 2005 publication by Johnson, Worell, and Chandler. Psychometric validation typically involves establishing construct validity, often demonstrated through confirmatory or exploratory factor analysis to confirm the seven-factor structure. The scale demonstrates strong evidence of concurrent validity by correlating positively with established measures of psychological well-being and negatively with measures of distress or dependency.

Furthermore, the PPS-R is expected to show discriminant validity, ensuring that it measures the unique dimensions of personal progress and empowerment distinct from general self-esteem or global life satisfaction measures. Continuous research supports its use in diverse samples, confirming that the underlying theoretical framework accurately reflects the multi-faceted nature of women’s empowerment.

Reliability

The reliability of the PPS-R, primarily internal consistency, is reported in the foundational research article. High internal consistency, usually indicated by Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.80 for the total scale, suggests that the items consistently measure the same underlying construct. Subscale reliability scores are also typically examined to ensure that each of the seven factors maintains adequate internal consistency, even though some subscales contain a limited number of items.

Test-retest reliability, which measures stability over time, is also crucial for scales assessing progress and stable psychological traits. Studies confirm that the PPS-R maintains satisfactory stability, making it suitable for longitudinal studies tracking personal development and the impact of therapeutic interventions.

Factor Analysis

The PPS-R is structured around seven factors (subscales), which were empirically derived through factor analysis during the revision process. These factors group the 28 items into conceptually meaningful dimensions of personal progress and psychological health:

• Perceptions of power and competence: (Items 1, 10, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, and 28). This factor measures the belief in one’s ability to handle life situations and make sound decisions.
• Self nurturance and resource access: (Items 4, 23, and 24). This factor assesses the capacity to care for oneself and effectively seek help or support when needed.
• Interpersonal assertiveness: (Items 3, 7, 11, 14, and 22). This dimension relates to the ability to express needs, confront others, and maintain equal relationships.
• Awareness of cultural discrimination: (Items 5, 8, and 27). This factor measures understanding of one’s cultural heritage and preparedness to address societal discrimination.
• Expression of anger and confrontation: (Items 6, 21, and 26). This dimension focuses on the recognition and appropriate expression of anger, particularly in confronting important others.
• Autonomy: (Items 2, 12, and 17). This factor measures self-determination, financial independence, and feeling in control of one’s life.
• Personal strength and social activism: (Items 9, 18, and 25). This dimension assesses the desire to help other women and the belief in one’s capacity to contribute to social change.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report psychological scale

Format: 28 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Almost never) to 7 (Almost always). Items marked with an asterisk (*) are reverse scored.

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: Primarily women, though potentially applicable to individuals seeking to measure empowerment constructs.

Age Group: Adults (typically college-aged and older)

Population Details: Developed and validated using samples relevant to women’s counseling and academic settings.

Test Methodology: Quantitative assessment of subjective psychological states and behavioral intentions related to personal progress and empowerment.

Keywords

feminist psychology, self-efficacy, psychological health, women’s development, self-nurturance, social change, psychometrics

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not specified in source content.

Correspondence Address: Not specified in source content.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The scale was initially published in 2005. For current permissions regarding use in commercial or extensive research settings, users should consult the primary author or the publisher of the journal Women & Health.

The scale items are often cited and reproduced in academic texts, such as the 2013 book by Simmons and Lehmann, suggesting availability for research and educational purposes, but formal permission may be required depending on the usage context.

Test Year: 2005 (Revised version)

Reference’s

• Johnson, D. M., Worell, J., & Chandler, R. K. (2005). Assessing psychological health and empowerment in women: The Personal Progress Scale Revised. Women & Health, 41(1), 109–129.
• Johnson, Worell, & Chandler, (2005). Personal Progress Scale–Revised. In: Simmons C. A., Lehmann P. (eds). Tools for strengths-based assessment and evaluation, New York, NY: Springer, pp. 368-370. (2013). The source material indicates this instrument can be found via Google Scholar.

Items of the Personal Progress Scale–Revised (PPS-R)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. I have equal relationships with important others in my life.
2. It is important to me to be financially independent.
3. It is difficult for me to be assertive with others when I need to be.*
4. I can speak up for my needs instead of always taking care of other people’s needs.
5. I feel prepared to deal with the discrimination I experience in today’s society.
6. It is difficult for me to recognize when I am angry.
7. I feel comfortable in confronting my instructor/counselor/supervisor when we see things differently.*
8. I now understand how my cultural heritage has shaped who I am today.
9. I give in to others so as not to displease or anger them.*
10. I don’t feel good about myself as a woman.*
11. When others criticize me, I do not trust myself to decide if they are right or if I should ignore their comments.*
12. I realize that, given my current situation, I am coping the best I can.
13. I am feeling in control of my life.
14. In defining for myself what it means for me to be attractive, I depend on the opinions of others.*
15. I can’t seem to make good decisions about my life.*
16. I do not feel competent to handle the situations that arise in my everyday life.*
17. I am determined to become a fully functioning person.
18. I do not believe there is anything I can do to make things better for women like me in today’s society.*
19. I believe that a woman like me can succeed in any job or career that she chooses.
20. When making decisions about my life, I do not trust my own experience.*
21. It is difficult for me to tell others when I feel angry.*
22. I am able to satisfy my own sexual needs in a relationship.
23. It is difficult for me to be good to myself.*
24. It is hard for me to ask for help or support from others when I need it.*
25. I want to help other women like me improve the quality of their lives
26. I feel uncomfortable in confronting important others in my life when we see things differently.*
27. I want to feel more appreciated for my cultural background.
28. I am aware of my own strengths as a woman.

* reversed scored.

Scoring is based on a 7-point scale: 1= Almost never to 7= Almost always.