The Predictability, Opportunity, and Safety Dimensions of Environmental Variability (POS-DEV) Retrospective Scale: A new tool to retrospectively assess positive early life experiences

Both early positive and adverse experiences have significant impacts across the lifespan. Psychometric measurement of early adversity has shifted toward a dimensional framework to capture experiences; however, existing measurements of positive experiences still rely on count-based metrics. We present the POS-DEV scale, a retrospective measure of positive experiences with caregivers, close friends, and adult role models across the dimensions of predictability, opportunity, and safety and support. Two exploratory factor analyses (Study 1, n=406; Study 2, n=316) were performed to reduce items while a confirmatory factor analysis (Study 3, n=289) confirmed a final factor structure for assessments across childhood and adolescent windows with excellent psychometric properties and construct validity. Six-month test-retest reliability (Study 4, n=203) was excellent for total scores while associations with adult mental health (Study 5, n=1021) highlighted the utility of the scale for capturing a more nuanced view of the early psychosocial environment.