After coining the term rolefulness, Daiki felt it was essential to move beyond theory and explore how to measure it in a meaningful way. Together with Dr. Mikie Suzuki, he developed a scale that could evaluate both social rolefulness and internal rolefulness, as well as the relationship between the two.
They created a 10-item scale, with five items dedicated to measuring social rolefulness and five for internal rolefulness. To validate the scale, they conducted a study with 960 Japanese high school students. They used a five-point Likert scale to assess participants' opinions, attitudes, and motivations in relation to their roles.
The Rolefulness Scale is a five-point scale designed to measure the two core dimensions of rolefulness:
Each item invites reflection on one’s experience of role engagement and fulfillment. The scale is as follows:
Social rolefulness
1. I am useful in society.
2. I can apply my strengths for society.
3. My roles are necessary for other people.
4. I have a role in the various groups I belong to.
5. I carry out several social roles.
Internal rolefulness
6. I realise my individuality by my roles.
7. I am satisfied with my roles.
8. I gain confidence because of my roles.
9. My roles bring out my individuality.
10. I have a role that is only mine.
The Rolefulness Scale Items
I am useful in society: This statement points to the degree you feel/believe that your roles contribute to society.I can apply my strengths for society: This means you use your strengths for the good of others and can carry out appropriate roles according to the situation.My roles are necessary for other people: This is where you recognise your roles as useful and helpful in your close relationships with others such as family, friends, and colleagues.I have a role in the various groups I belong to: This means you can identify your own role in each community and group you belong to.I carry out several social roles: This indicates that you can easily identify that you have several roles in your personal, social, and professional contexts.I realise my individuality through my roles: This is concerned with realizing your individuality, personality, and sense of self through your roles.I am satisfied with my roles: This is a core question of the scale. You realize you have your own roles, and they are useful for others. You feel that you are filled with satisfaction and happiness because of the roles.I gain confidence because of my roles: This is where the experience of your roles has helped and been useful for others, resulting in you establishing and increasing your confidence in yourself.My roles bring out my individuality: This means that your uniqueness and individuality are utilized by your roles.I have a role that is only mine: This is the sense that you feel you have a role that is unique to you, needed by others, and cannot be performed by another person. By becoming more aware of both your social and internal rolefulness, you can begin to shape a life that feels more connected, intentional, and truly your own.
