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Affective Judgement of a Sense of Social Connection: A Scale Refinement Process

Author

Listed:
  • Jayme Verhagen

    (Swinburne University of Technology)

  • Adam Karg

    (Deakin University)

  • Diane Sivasubramaniam

    (School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology)

  • Carleigh Yeomans

    (Swinburne University of Technology)

  • Jane Farmer

    (Swinburne University of Technology)

Abstract

Social connection is a multidimensional construct approached in various ways, leading to fragmented measurement and ineffective modelling of its dimensions. This study utilised a strengths-based framework to examine items that capture an individual’s affective judgement of their sense of connection within a national population setting. A representative Australian panel (n = 927) was surveyed to explore the relationships among affective categories and items in existing social connection surveys and frameworks. The findings provide a strengths-based refined scale, demonstrating that the affective dimension is a higher-order factor, reflected by subdimensions including a sense of closeness, safety/comfort, acceptance, belonging, and an overall sense of connection. Findings demonstrate this affective dimension is related to, but distinct from, social support and the Lee and Robbins (1995) Social Connectedness Scale. This study contributes to the refinement and conceptualisation of the 'affective dimension' as it pertains to social connection, which can help to enable comparisons between studies, populations, and programs for academics and practitioners.

Suggested Citation

  • Jayme Verhagen & Adam Karg & Diane Sivasubramaniam & Carleigh Yeomans & Jane Farmer, 2025. "Affective Judgement of a Sense of Social Connection: A Scale Refinement Process," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 179(1), pages 399-421, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:179:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-025-03610-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-025-03610-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Bailey & Rachel Cao & Theresa Kuchler & Johannes Stroebel & Arlene Wong, 2018. "Social Connectedness: Measurement, Determinants, and Effects," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 32(3), pages 259-280, Summer.
    2. Sherbourne, Cathy Donald & Stewart, Anita L., 1991. "The MOS social support survey," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 705-714, January.
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