Validity and Reliability of the Professional Belonging Scale for Occupational Therapy Students Version 2

Sarah Corcoran OTD, OTR/L, Saint Joseph's University, PhiladelphiaFollow
Pooja Patel DrOT, OTR/L, Independent PracticeFollow
Izabela Dubiel DrOT, OTR/L, FOX RehabilitationFollow
Theresa Rhett-Davis EdD, OTR/L, Saint Joseph's University, PhiladelphiaFollow
Nancy Green MS, DrOT, OTR/L, University of Pennsylvania; Jefferson UniversityFollow
Emily Pasqualetto DrOT, OTR/L, Independent PracticeFollow
Amanda Carter DrOT, OTR/L, Independent PracticeFollow

Document Type (Journals)

Original Research

Abstract

A strong sense of belonging supports student engagement, motivation, clinical competency, retention, and overall well-being; yet few tools specifically assess this construct in occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs. To address this gap, Corcoran et al. (2025) developed the Professional Belonging Scale for Occupational Therapy Students (PBSOTSv1). The current study aimed to revise the PBSOTSv1 for clarity, inclusivity, and alignment with emerging theoretical frameworks and to evaluate the revised version (PBSOTSv2) for content validity and internal consistency reliability. Revisions involved expert cognitive interviews and Content Validity Index (CVI) ratings, guided by Allen et al.’s framework of belonging, which encompasses competencies, opportunities, motivation, and perceptions. Although new items were added to better capture motivation and competencies, they did not meet CVI thresholds, resulting in an 11-item unidimensional scale. The PBSOTSv2 was administered to 167 students across accredited OT and OTA programs in the United States. Results demonstrated excellent content validity (S-CVI = 1.00) and acceptable internal consistency reliability (α = 0.86). The PBSOTSv2 provides a practical, psychometrically sound tool for OT educators to assess student belonging, identify students at risk of disengagement, and inform curricular, mentoring, and inclusion initiatives. Future research should examine longitudinal trends, predictive validity, cross-cultural adaptation, and complementary methods to capture the multidimensional nature of belonging.

Biography

Sarah Corcoran, OTD, OTR/L is a Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Saint Joseph’s University. Her scholarship centers on fostering a sense of belonging in occupational therapy.

Pooja Patel, DrOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Saint Joseph’s University.

Izabela Dubiel, DrOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with FOX Rehabilitation. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Saint Joseph’s University.

Theresa Rhett-Davis, EdD, OTR/L is a Clinical Associate Professor, Program Director, and Vice Chair of Occupational Therapy at Saint Joseph’s University. Her scholarship focuses on teaching and learning.

Nancy Greene, MS, DrOT, OTR/L is a Data Project Manager at the University of Pennsylvania and an Adjunct Faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University. Her scholarship focuses on data analytic methodologies.

Emily Pasqualetto, DrOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist specializing in skilled nursing and acute rehabilitation. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Saint Joseph’s University.

Amanda Carter, DrOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with expertise in skilled nursing and acute rehabilitation. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Saint Joseph’s University.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Recommended Citation

Corcoran, S., Patel, P., Dubiel, I., Rhett-Davis, T., Green, N., Pasqualetto, E., & Carter, A. (2026). Validity and Reliability of the Professional Belonging Scale for Occupational Therapy Students Version 2. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 10 (1). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol10/iss1/7