Perceived Adequacy of Resources

Measures of perceived adequacy of resources capture one’s perception of having enough financial resources to meet basic needs and financial obligations.

Measure

Source: Rettig KD, Leichtentritt RD, Danes SM. The effects of resources, decision making, and decision implementing on perceived family well-being in adjusting to an economic stressor. Journal of Family and Economic Issues. 1999;20(1):5-34.

Psychometric properties:
Cronbach’s alpha = 0.70 (Men)
Cronbach’s alpha = 0.64 (Women)

Thinking about the future, five years from now, how do you expect your financial condition to be?

  • Much worse
  • Somewhat worse
  • About the same
  • Somewhat better
  • Much better

Thinking about your income, how do you feel about the adequacy of that income?

  • Not at all adequate
  • Somewhat adequate
  • Just enough
  • Can afford some things that I want
  • Can afford about everything wanted

How much control do you feel over your financial situation?

  • Very much out of control
  • Somewhat out of control
  • Fluctuating
  • Somewhat in control
  • Very much in control

Measure

Source: Budescu M, Taylor RD. Order in the home: Family routines moderate the impact of financial hardship. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. 2013;34(2):63-72.
Dunst CJ, Leet HE. Measuring the adequacy of resources in households with young children. Child: Care, Health and Development. 1987;13:111–125.

Psychometric properties: These items were selected from the basic needs domain of the Family Resources Scale, with Cronbach’s alpha ~ .80.

I have adequate resources for two meals a day.

  • Not at all adequate
  • Slightly adequate
  • Somewhat adequate
  • Moderately adequate
  • Always adequate

I have adequate financial resources to pay monthly bills.

  • Not at all adequate
  • Slightly adequate
  • Somewhat adequate
  • Moderately adequate
  • Always adequate

Measure

Source: Ho CS, Lempers JD, Clark-Lempers DS. Effects of economic hardship on adolescent self-esteem: A family mediation model. Adolescence. 1995;30(117):117-131.

Psychometric properties: Cronbach’s alphas = 0.88 and 0.90 (For fathers and mothers of girls’ data)
Cronbach’s alphas = 0.87 and 0.85 (For fathers and mothers of boys’ data)

Yes No
We have enough money for the kind of food our family should have
We have enough money for the kind of medical care our family should have
We have enough money for the kind of clothing we should have
We have enough money for the leisure activities we like
We are able to afford furniture or household equipment that needs to be replaced
Our money never seems to be enough for what we want