Table of Contents
Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ)
Here in this post, we are sharing the “Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ)”. You can read psychometric and Author information. We have thousands of Scales and questionnaires in our collection (See Scales and Questionnaires). You can demand us any scale and questionnaires related to psychology through our community, and we will provide you with a short time. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
About Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ)
Scale Name
Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ)
Author Details
Luthans, F., Avolio, B. J., Avey, J. B., and Norman, S. M.
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) is a widely used self-assessment tool designed to measure an individual’s positive psychological capital (PsyCap). PsyCap is a construct rooted in positive psychology and organizational behavior, comprising four core dimensions:
- Hope: Perseverance towards goals and the ability to create pathways to achieve them.
- Self-efficacy: Confidence to take on and succeed in challenging tasks.
- Resilience: The ability to recover and adapt after setbacks or adversity.
- Optimism: Positive attribution about succeeding now and in the future.
The PCQ is instrumental in organizational psychology and is often used for employee development, leadership training, and understanding workplace dynamics. Research shows that individuals with higher PsyCap are more productive, engaged, and satisfied at work.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Preparation: Obtain the PCQ from a licensed distributor such as Mind Garden, Inc.
- Participants: Suitable for employees, leaders, and students in organizational and educational settings.
- Instructions: Explain the purpose of the tool and ensure confidentiality to encourage honest responses.
- Response Format: The PCQ consists of 24 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 6 = strongly agree).
- Duration: The questionnaire typically takes 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Scoring: Scores are calculated for each of the four dimensions and combined to derive an overall PsyCap score.
Reliability and Validity
The PCQ has demonstrated excellent psychometric properties:
- Reliability: High internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.70 for all dimensions.
- Validity: Supported by robust construct, convergent, and discriminant validity.
- Studies confirm its applicability across cultures and its ability to predict positive workplace outcomes such as job performance, organizational commitment, and reduced burnout.
Available Versions
12-Items
Reference
- Luthans, F., Youssef, C. M., & Avolio, B. J. (2007). Psychological Capital: Developing the Human Competitive Edge. Oxford University Press.
- Avey, J. B., Reichard, R. J., Luthans, F., & Mhatre, K. H. (2011). Meta-analysis of the impact of positive psychological capital on employee attitudes, behaviors, and performance. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 22(2), 127–152.
- Luthans, F., Avolio, B. J., Avey, J. B., & Norman, S. M. (2007). Positive psychological capital: Measurement and relationship with performance and satisfaction. Personnel Psychology, 60(3), 541–572.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ)?
It is a self-assessment tool used to measure an individual’s psychological capital (hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism).
Who developed the PCQ?
The PCQ was developed by Luthans, Avolio, Avey, and Norman.
How is the PCQ administered?
It is a self-report questionnaire completed using a 6-point Likert scale.
What is the main application of the PCQ?
The PCQ is primarily used in organizational and educational settings to assess and enhance psychological strengths.
Is the PCQ reliable and valid?
Yes, it has demonstrated high reliability and validity in numerous studies.
Disclaimer
Please note that Psychology Roots does not have the right to grant permission for the use of any psychological scales or assessments listed on its website. To use any scale or assessment, you must obtain permission directly from the author or translator of the tool. Psychology Roots provides information about various tools and their administration procedures, but it is your responsibility to obtain proper permissions before using any scale or assessment. If you need further information about an author’s contact details, please submit a query to the Psychology Roots team.
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
Share With Us
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at psychologyroots@gmail.com. We help others on behalf of you.