SPolitical Alienation Scale [PA-9]

Description

The Political Alienation Scale (PA-9) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess the extent to which individuals feel disconnected, powerless, or dissatisfied with the political system, institutions, and decision-making processes.

The scale addresses key aspects of political alienation, including political powerlessness, distrust, disengagement, and perceived political inefficacy.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the PA-9 is to measure political alienation within a specific social and political context, including institutional trust, perceived political influence, participation, representation, and dissatisfaction with political processes.

Scoring and Data Analysis

The PA-9 consists of 9 self-report items. For detailed research applications, a 5-point Likert scale can be used, ranging from 1 = “Strongly Disagree” to 5 = “Strongly Agree.” Higher total scores indicate greater political alienation, lower political trust, and reduced perceived political influence.

Statistical analysis may include descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis, correlations, and group comparisons.

References

Seeman M. On the Meaning of Alienation. American Sociological Review. 1959;24(6):783–791.

Thompson WE, Horton JE. Political Alienation as a Force in Political Action. Social Forces. 1960;38(3):190–195.

Finifter AW. Dimensions of Political Alienation. American Political Science Review. 1970;64(2):389–410.

Tags: Political Alienation, PA-9, Political Trust, Political Participation, Political Efficacy, Institutional Trust, Psychometric Assessmen