The Precariat Scale (PRESC): a psychometric tool for assessing precarity across mental, occupational, and sociocultural dimensions

Vollständiger Abstract

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Introduction The precariat is an emerging global demographic comprising unemployed, underemployed, and temporarily employed individuals facing severe socio-economic instability. Despite growing theoretical attention, there is a lack of comprehensive empirical measurement tools. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating the Precariat Scale (PRESC)—a multidimensional instrument designed to assess precarious conditions across three core dimensions: Sociocultural-Economic (SCE), Job Insecurity, Uncertainty and Flexible Working (JIUFW), and Mental Condition (MC). Methods Following a rigorous six-stage scale development protocol, data were collected from 421 participants. Psychometric analyses were conducted on a final sample of 394 participants to evaluate the construct validity, factor structure, and reliability of the scale using polychoric correlation matrices. Results Psychometric evaluations supported a robust, stable three-factor model corresponding to the hypothesized dimensions (SCE, JIUFW, and MC). The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency, construct validity, and overall psychometric reliability. Discussion The PRESC provides a pioneering, empirically validated framework for operationalizing and measuring the multidimensional realities of the precariat. This tool enables researchers and policymakers to quantitatively assess precariousness and investigate its wider socio-economic and psychological implications.