Development and initial validation of the work and human needs inventory

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2019Source: Journal of Vocational BehaviorAuthor(s): Alec J. Eshelman, Patrick J. RottinghausAbstractRecent theoretical approaches in vocational psychology, such as the Psychology of Working (Blustein, 2006; Duffy, Blustein, Diemer, & Autin, 2016), have emphasized the extent to which work meets a variety of human needs, and quantitative assessments of these constructs are needed to advance this research. The current study examines the development and initial validation of the Work and Human Needs Inventory (WAHNI), which assesses the extent to which individuals' work meets several human needs: survival, power, autonomy, social connection, and meaning. Items were constructed and refined using content analysis of relevant constructs, expert analysis, and a pilot study. Exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 338 working adults revealed five factors: Survival, Meaning, Power, Autonomy, and Connection. Confirmatory factor analyses on a separate sample of 203 working adults supported this factor structure. Scale intercorrelations with related measures provided validity evidence. Research and practical implications for the WAHNI are discussed.

Source: Journal of Vocational Behavior - April 18, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research