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The current study contributes to the rich literature on territorial attractiveness and territorial capital by adopting a psychological approach, developing, and then validating a territorial capital scale that measures people's beliefs and behavioural intentions (i.e. to leave or stay in a rural area). Following a qualitative phase (n = 40), a quantitative survey was conducted in two rural regions of Cameroon (n = 400). Factor analysis revealed a multidimensional construct of perceived territorial capital consisting of six factors. The authors used the Theory of Planned Behaviour to validate the scale. The results show that perceived territorial capital significantly influences perceived behavioural control (PBC), place attachment (PA) and anticipated regrets (AR). This research contributes to rural development policies. • The study contributes to the literature on territorial capital by adopting a psychological approach. • It develops and validates a territorial capital scale that measures people's beliefs and behavioural intentions. • The results highlight a multidimensional construct of perceived territorial capital composed of six factors that influence PBC1, PA2 and AR3. • This research contributes to rural development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]