AI Identity Threat
PsychologyReliability: alpha 0.864 sample items
About this scale
A multi-item measure of the perceived threat to professional identity and self-worth posed by AI's capability to perform tasks central to one's occupation. Captures symbolic threat distinct from material job loss and predicts defensive responses to AI adoption.
Sample item(s)
“AI threatens what makes my profession unique.”
“AI undermines the skills I am proud of.”
“AI makes me question what I contribute as a professional.”
“I feel that AI devalues my professional expertise.”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alpha 0.86. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Distinct from job insecurity; pair with social-identity-theory and threat-appraisal measures.
Source & citation
Mirbabaie, M., Brünker, F., Möllmann, N. R. J., & Stieglitz, S. (2022): The rise of artificial intelligence — understanding the AI identity threat at the workplace. Electronic Markets, Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 73–99.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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