Laura N Gitlin1, Jeanine Parisi2, Jin Huang3, Laraine Winter4, David L Roth3. 1. Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. lgitlin1@jhu.edu. 2. Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Principal Faculty, Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, Maryland. 3. Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. 4. School of Nursing, Villanova University, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY: Examine psychometric properties of Lawton's Valuation of Life (VOL) scale, a measure of an older adults' assessment of the perceived value of their lives; and whether ratings differ by race (White, Black/African American) and sex. DESIGN AND METHODS: The 13-item VOL scale was administered at baseline in 2 separate randomized trials (Advancing Better Living for Elders, ABLE; Get Busy Get Better, GBGB) for a total of 527 older adults. Principal component analyses were applied to a subset of ABLE data (subsample 1) and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on remaining data (subsample 2 and GBGB). Once the factor structure was identified and confirmed, 2 subscales were created, corresponding to optimism and engagement. Convergent validity of total and subscale scores were examined using measures of depressive symptoms, social support, control-oriented strategies, mastery, and behavioral activation. For discriminant validity, indices of health status, physical function, financial strain, cognitive status, and number of falls were examined. RESULTS: Trial samples (ABLE vs. GBGB) differed by age, race, marital status, education, and employment. Principal component analysis on ABLE subsample 1 (n = 156) yielded two factors subsequently confirmed in confirmatory factor analyses on ABLE subsample 2 (n = 163) and GBGB sample (N = 208) separately. Adequate fit was found for the 2-factor model. Correlational analyses supported strong convergent and discriminant validity. Some statistically significant race and sex differences in subscale scores were found. IMPLICATIONS: VOL measures subjective appraisals of perceived value of life. Consisting of two interrelated subscales, it offers an efficient approach to ascertain personal attributions. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America 2016.
PURPOSE OF STUDY: Examine psychometric properties of Lawton's Valuation of Life (VOL) scale, a measure of an older adults' assessment of the perceived value of their lives; and whether ratings differ by race (White, Black/African American) and sex. DESIGN AND METHODS: The 13-item VOL scale was administered at baseline in 2 separate randomized trials (Advancing Better Living for Elders, ABLE; Get Busy Get Better, GBGB) for a total of 527 older adults. Principal component analyses were applied to a subset of ABLE data (subsample 1) and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on remaining data (subsample 2 and GBGB). Once the factor structure was identified and confirmed, 2 subscales were created, corresponding to optimism and engagement. Convergent validity of total and subscale scores were examined using measures of depressive symptoms, social support, control-oriented strategies, mastery, and behavioral activation. For discriminant validity, indices of health status, physical function, financial strain, cognitive status, and number of falls were examined. RESULTS: Trial samples (ABLE vs. GBGB) differed by age, race, marital status, education, and employment. Principal component analysis on ABLE subsample 1 (n = 156) yielded two factors subsequently confirmed in confirmatory factor analyses on ABLE subsample 2 (n = 163) and GBGB sample (N = 208) separately. Adequate fit was found for the 2-factor model. Correlational analyses supported strong convergent and discriminant validity. Some statistically significant race and sex differences in subscale scores were found. IMPLICATIONS: VOL measures subjective appraisals of perceived value of life. Consisting of two interrelated subscales, it offers an efficient approach to ascertain personal attributions. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America 2016.
Entities:
Keywords:
Affective well-being; Biographical management; Quality of life
Authors: Laura N Gitlin; Laraine Winter; Marie P Dennis; Mary Corcoran; Sandy Schinfeld; Walter W Hauck Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Laura N Gitlin; Jeanine M Parisi; Jin Huang; Laraine Winter; David L Roth Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2017-04-12 Impact factor: 3.485