Perceived Sense of Community Scale

The Perceived Sense of Community Scale (PSCS) was designed to study social model recovery programs and has been used in several Oxford House studies. The research showed that a sense of community promotes subjective wellness (happiness) and self-efficacy (confidence). Abstinence-specific self-efficacy is a predictor of substance use relapse and recovery. The PSCS evaluates three factors:

1. Mission – shared goals and ideals by group members
2. Reciprocal responsibility – shared responsibilities and mutual support. (Members know they can get help from the group if they need it. The group makes you feel good for helping) The studies found that a higher level of reciprocal responsibility was predictive of greater self-efficacy, meaning lower relapse and greater recovery outcomes.
3. Harmony – rapport and amiability amongst group members; greater diversion is great harmony. Oxford House studies show that demographic diversity (e.g., age) of social model members can improve harmony. Harmony is relational by nature and involves balance and flexibility within the world around you. “It is through mutual support and mutual dependence that things flourish.” Harmony is linked to a sense of well-being and satisfaction and is driven by balance, unity, agreement, cooperation, and nature.