Assessment of Citizens’ Populist Orientations: Development and Validation of the POPulist ORientation (POPOR) Scale

Objectives. We developed and validated the POPulist ORientation (POPOR) Scale (composed of six 5-category items), operationalizing populist orientation as a unidimensional construct composed of 6 facets: (a) anti- economic, financial, and intellectual establishment attitude; (b) anti-political establishment; (c) conception of the people as a homogeneous and virtuous entity; (d) consideration of the people as legitimated to take part directly in political decision-making processes; (e) need for a strong leader; and (f) loss of relevance of the traditional ideologies. To prevent response bias, we gave the POPOR Scale a forced-choice format and a balanced structure. Method. We surveyed a quota sample of 1,348 Italians extracted from the general population and analyzed the structure of the scale and its convergent validity via confirmatory factor analysis. Results. The POPOR Scale showed a unidimensional structure and a good convergent validity. Supplemental analyses showed its structural invariance across gender, age, education, and area of residence.