Psychometric validation and correlates of the personal safety perception scale (PSPS-26) as a multidimensional measure of perceived safety

This study aims to develop and validate the Personal Safety Perception Scale (PSPS-26) as a wide-spectrum tool to capture the multidimensional construct of perceived personal safety. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1228 adults in Lebanon using an online survey. The PSPS-26 was developed through a modified Delphi technique and literature review, followed by expert consensus. The final 26-item scale was administered alongside validated measures of stress (PSQ-30), financial well-being (IFDFW), and health status (EQ-5D-5L). Construct validity was assessed using principal component analysis with Promax rotation, and reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the associations between perceived safety and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. The PSPS-26 was validated with five factors: “Fear of Crime”, “Safety Confidence”, “Feeling Safe”, “Neighborhood Walkability”, and “Safety at Night”, showing strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.835). Higher stress significantly associated with lower overall safety perception (Beta = − 0.158), especially in safety confidence (Beta = − 0.068) and safety at night (Beta = − 0.062). Enhanced health well-being significantly improved overall safety perception (Beta = 0.058) and feeling safe (Beta = 0.028). Financial well-being was positively and significantly correlated to overall safety perception (Beta = 0.204) and dimensions of fear of crime (Beta = 0.133), safety confidence (Beta = 0.033), and feeling safe (Beta = 0.035). Other significant factors included gender, health insurance coverage, access to healthcare, employment, education, residence area, and marital status. The PSPS-26 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing multidimensional personal safety perception. Its association with stress, health, and financial well-being underscores the importance of integrating psychological and socioeconomic factors into safety-related public health and policy strategies.