DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERCEIVED EMPLOYMENT BARRIER SCALE (PEBS): MEASURING PSYCHOLOGICAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to (a) validate the psychometric properties of the Perceived Employment Barrier Scale (PEBS) and (b) investigate the effect of perceived barriers on employment hope. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and a series of invariance tests were conducted to validate PEBS using two independent samples. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationship. The latent factor structure generated by EFA failing to fit efficiently in CFA, the model was revised to a 5-factor, 20-item structure. This model demonstrated a common latent factor and item structure in both samples. And SEM results suggest a significant negative effect of perceived employment barriers on employment hope. PEBS is a reliable and valid measure that could be used as an evidence-based tool for comprehensively assessing client-centered employment barriers and providing appropriate support services to low-income jobseekers. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.