Scale Overview
The Social Comparison Scale (SCS) was developed by Allan, S. & Gilbert, P. (1995). It is designed to measure Social rank and relative social standing. The scale is intended for use with Adults (clinical and student populations).
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 11 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = 1 (Left anchor), 2 = 2, 3 = 3, 4 = 4, 5 = 5 (Middle/Average), 6 = 6, 7 = 7, 8 = 8, 9 = 9, 10 = 10 (Right anchor).
The scale includes 1 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 11 to 110. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low social rank self-perceptions (feelings of inferiority): 11 – 44
- Average social rank self-perceptions: 45 – 76
- High social rank self-perceptions: 77 – 110
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Cronbach's alpha of .88 – .96.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.