Development of a new perceived injustice scale for Bangla speaking population

by Chandrima Mourin, Muhammad Kamruzzaman Mozumder

Perceived injustice is a relatively novel psychosocial construct starting to get some attention among researchers studying health and mental health outcomes. In the context of the widespread perception of being a victim of injustice in Bangladesh, a gap in instruments measuring perceived injustice was evident. The novelty of the construct and lack of similar instruments necessitated the development of a new Perceived Injustice Scale for Bangla speaking population.

A three-stage approach was used to develop the instrument. A thorough review of literature coupled with interviews with the general population as well as professionals contributed to the conceptualization of the construct. A rigorous process of expert evaluation and item analysis resulted in the identification of the most suitable items.

The scale demonstrated a single-factor structure with adequate evidence of its reliability and validity. Reliability of the scale was assessed using internal consistency method (Cronbach alpha = .931; p< .01) and test-retest method (r = .837; p< .01). While validity was assessed using criterion-related validity (correlation with the Steel Injustice Inventory at r = .428; p< .01) and construct validity (correlation with the Perceived Stress Scale at r = .332; p< .01; and with the WHO Wellbeing Index at r = -.361; p< .01).

The strong evidence of reliability and validity suggests the suitability of the scale for measuring perceived injustice in Bangladesh. Researchers and clinicians can use this 10-item scale with confidence in assessing perceived injustice among the general population.