World Assumptions Scale, WAS

Test scores

The results reflect core assumptions about the world and the self.

Higher scores generally indicate stronger endorsement of each belief, except where noted.

Domains:

• Benevolence – belief that the world and other people are generally safe, kind, and supportive. Higher scores indicate greater trust in the environment and others.

• Meaningfulness – belief that events are understandable, predictable, and follow meaningful principles rather than occurring randomly. Higher scores indicate a stronger sense that life events make sense and are structured.

• Worthiness – belief in one's own value and deservingness. Higher scores indicate greater self-esteem and a more positive self-view.

Subscales:

• Benevolence of the World – belief that the world is generally safe and positive. Higher scores indicate greater perception of the world as kind and supportive.

• Benevolence of People – belief that others are trustworthy and well-intentioned. Higher scores indicate greater interpersonal trust.

• Justice – belief that outcomes are fair and that people get what they deserve. Higher scores indicate stronger belief in a just and orderly world.

• Controllability – belief that events can be influenced by one's actions. Higher scores indicate a stronger sense of control over life outcomes.

• Randomness – belief that events occur by chance and are unpredictable. Lower scores indicate stronger perception of the world as random and uncontrollable.

• Self-Worth – belief in one's own value and deservingness. Higher scores indicate greater self-esteem and a more positive self-view.

• Self-Controllability – belief in one's ability to regulate behavior and outcomes. Higher scores indicate greater perceived self-control.

• Luck – belief in the role of luck in determining outcomes. Higher scores indicate a stronger tendency to attribute events to luck.