Psychological empowerment: issues and illustrations

Am J Community Psychol. 1995 Oct;23(5):581-99. doi: 10.1007/BF02506983.

Abstract

Discussed several issues related to psychological empowerment. The thesis of this paper is that the development of a universal and global measure of psychological empowerment may not be a feasible or appropriate goal. I begin by distinguishing between empowerment processes and outcomes. Underlying assumptions are discussed including the notion that empowerment differs across people, contexts, and times. A nomological network that includes intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral components is also presented. Two examples of psychological empowerment for voluntary service organization members and members of a mutual help organization are described to help illustrate differences in the specific variables that may be used to measure psychological empowerment in different populations and settings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Psychology, Social
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Environment
  • Social Support