What does it mean to have a calling? Validation of the Unified Multidimensional Calling Scale

The absence of a common framework for defining and measuring calling limits the scientific production of coherent and generalizable empirical evidence on the role of calling in people life. In this paper, we merge the contributions of several authors into a comprehensive model of calling consisting of seven facets (Passion, Purposefulness, Sacrifice, Pervasiveness, Prosocial Orientation, Transcendent Summons, and Identity) and propose the Unified Multidimensional Calling Scale (UMCS). The UMCS possesses good reliability and construct validity, is unbiased across time and calling domains. A second-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis proved the seven-facet model of calling to be valid in a sample of college students and adult employees. Interestingly, college students showed weaker relationships between Transcendent Summons, Prosocial Orientation, and the other facets of calling. In addition, we observed that facets have very different relationships with outcomes and concurrent measures, suggesting that results obtained with a smaller set of facets are not generalizable to the higher-order construct of calling. The practical and theoretical implications of these results are discussed.