We introduce the Felt Inclusion Scale (FIS), a 10-item psychometric measure designed to capture individual experiences of social inclusion in groups. The scale is validated across five independent samples (total N = 3,400).
Background
Existing measures of group belonging often conflate group identity with direct inclusion experiences. We sought to isolate the subjective feeling of being welcomed, acknowledged, and valued in a dynamic social context.
Method
We developed a pool of 30 initial items, reduced them through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and validated the final 10-item unidimensional scale via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) across corporate, academic, and recreational settings.
Findings
The FIS demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .92) and excellent test-retest reliability over 6 months. It successfully predicted group retention, collaborative quality, and self-reported psychological safety better than existing measures.
Implications
The FIS provides researchers and organizations with a precise, brief instrument to evaluate intervention effectiveness on group cohesion and social inclusion outcomes.