Abstract
We describe and validate the Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale (PIWBS). The PIWBS is a culturally appropriate self-report measure assessing a five-factor model of Pacific identity and wellbeing. Items and construct definitions were developed through qualitative interviews, review of psychological theories, and previous research on Pacific concepts of ethnic identity and wellbeing. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the model (Study 1 N = 143; Study 2 N = 443). The proposed five-factor model of Pacific identity and wellbeing includes scales assessing (1) Perceived Familial Wellbeing, (2) Perceived Societal Wellbeing, (3) Pacific Connectedness and Belonging, (4) Religious Centrality and Embeddedness, and (5) Group Membership Evaluation. The PIWBS provides a culturally appropriate valid and reliable assessment tool that can be used for within-cultural research for Pacific peoples from a Pacific perspective. A copy of the PIWBS and scoring instructions for its use are included.
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This manuscript is based on Sam Manuela’s master’s thesis supervised by Chris Sibley.
Appendix: The Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale
Appendix: The Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale
Do you identify as a Pacific person? | Do you have Pacific ancestors? |
|---|---|
□ Yes | □ Yes |
□ No | □ No |
This survey contains a list of statements about how satisfied you are with aspects of your life, and what you think being a person of Pacific descent means to you personally. It is only relevant to people who answered ‘Yes’ to the above questions.
All of the statements are opinions. The scale has been designed in a way that you will most likely agree with some statements but disagree with others to varying degrees. This is because we want to measure a wide range of different opinions and views on peoples’ satisfaction with their lives and what it means to be a Pacific person. There are no right or wrong answers. Please try to answer the questions as honestly as you can. The best answer is your own opinion, whatever that may be.
The survey is in two sections. In the first section, if you feel completely satisfied in that area of your life you would select a number close to 7. If you feel neutral about that area of your life, you would select a number close to 4. If you are completely dissatisfied with that area of your life, you would select a number close to 1.
Completely dissatisfied | Neutral | Completely satisfied | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Support provided to you by the New Zealand government to you as a Pacific Islander. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
2. Your relationship with your parents. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
3. Your position in New Zealand as a Pacific person. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
4. Your family’s security. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
5. Your personal needs being met by New Zealand. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
6. The respect you give for your parents. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
7. The support your receive as a Pacific Islander in the community you live in. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8. The respect you receive from your family. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
9. Your relationship with New Zealand society. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
10. Your position in your family. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
11. The support you receive in the community you live in. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
12. Your family’s happiness. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
13. The support you receive as a Pacific Islander in New Zealand. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
14. Communication with your family. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
In this second section, please rate how you agree strongly you agree with the following statements. If you strongly agree with a statement, then you would select a number close to 7. If you feel neutral about a statement, then you would select a number close to 4. If you strongly disagree with a statement, then you would select a number close to 1.
Strongly disagree | Neutral | Strongly agree | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15. I feel at home around other Islanders, even if they are not from my island | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
16. Going to church is part of my culture and religion | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
17. The fact that I am an Islander is an important part of my identity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
18. I feel comfortable in places with lots of other Pacific peoples | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
19. God has a strong connection to my culture. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
20. Being and Islander is an important part of how I see myself | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
21. I don’t get along with other island groups | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
22. Religion is not important for my culture | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
23. I feel connected to other Pacific peoples in general | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
24. I am glad to be a Pacific Islander | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
25. Part of being a Pacific Islander is having a connection with god | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
26. I feel connected to people from a different Pacific island to myself | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
27. I am proud to be a Pacific Islander | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
28. Religion is the root of our Pasifika culture | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
29. Our religion is the centre of our culture as Pacific Islanders | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
30. Being a Pacific Islander gives me a good feeling | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
31. I feel most comfortable in Pacific communities | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Scoring instructions for the Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale
Reverse score the following items: 21 and 22. Average the following sets of items to calculate scores for each subscale: Perceived Societal Wellbeing: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13. Perceived Familial Wellbeing: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14. Pacific Connectedness and Belonging: 15, 18, 21, 23, 26, 31. Religious Centrality and Embeddedness: 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 29. Group Membership Evaluation: 17, 20, 24, 27, 30.
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Manuela, S., Sibley, C.G. The Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale (PIWBS): A Culturally-Appropriate Self-Report Measure for Pacific Peoples in New Zealand. Soc Indic Res 112, 83–103 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-012-0041-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-012-0041-9