scholarly journals Measuring psychological mechanisms in meditation practice: Using a phenomenologically grounded classification system to develop theory-based composite scores

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Schlosser ◽  
Thorsten Barnhofer ◽  
Florence Requier ◽  
Yacila Isabela Deza-Araujo ◽  
Oussama Abdoun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Mechanisms ◽  
Composite Scores

Objectives: Deepening our understanding of the mechanisms by which meditation practices impact well-being and human flourishing is essential for advancing the science of meditation. The phenomenologically grounded classification system introduced by Dahl, Lutz, and Davidson (2015) distinguishes attentional, constructive, and deconstructive forms of meditation based on the psychological mechanisms these practices primarily target or necessitate. Our main aim was to understand whether this theory-based taxonomy could be used as a guiding principle for combining established psychological self-report measures of meditation-related mechanisms into psychometrically adequate composite scores. Methods: We used cross-sectional data to compute meditation composite scores in three independent samples, namely meditation-naïve healthy older adults from the Age-Well trial (n = 135), meditation-naïve older adults with subjective cognitive decline from the SCD-Well trial (n = 147), and healthy long-term meditators (≥10,000 hours of practice including one three-year meditation retreat) from the Brain & Mindfulness project (n=29). The psychometric properties of the composite scores were assessed via floor and ceiling effects, composite intercorrelations, interpretability, and convergent validity in relation to well-being, anxiety, and depression. Results: Three theoretically derived meditation composite scores, reflecting mechanisms involved in attentional, constructive, and deconstructive practices, displayed adequate psychometric properties. Separate secondary confirmatory factor analyses empirically corroborated the theoretically predicted three-factor structure of this classification system. Conclusions: Complementing data-driven approaches, this study offers preliminary support for using a theoretical model of meditation-related mechanisms to create empirically meaningful and psychometrically sound composite scores. We conclude by suggesting conceptual and methodological considerations for future research in this area.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Relationships Between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Objective Memory: Depressive Symptoms Mediate Between-Person Associations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nikki L. Hill ◽  
Sakshi Bhargava ◽  
Emily Bratlee-Whitaker ◽  
Jennifer R. Turner ◽  
Monique J. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Over Time

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be an early indicator of cognitive impairment, but depressive symptoms can confound this relationship. Associations may be influenced by differences between individuals (i.e., between-persons) or how each individual changes in their experiences over time (i.e., within-persons). Objective: We examined depressive symptoms as a mediator of the between- and within-person associations of SCD and objective memory in older adults. Methods: Coordinated analyses were conducted across four datasets drawn from large longitudinal studies. Samples (range: n = 1,889 to n = 15,841) included participants 65 years of age or older with no dementia at baseline. We used multilevel structural equation modeling to examine the mediation of SCD and objective memory through depressive symptoms, as well as direct relationships among SCD, objective memory, and depressive symptoms. Results: Older adults who were more likely to report SCD had lower objective memory on average (between-person associations), and depressive symptoms partially mediated this relationship in three of four datasets. However, changes in depressive symptoms did not mediate the relationship between reports of SCD and declines in objective memory in three of four datasets (within-person associations). Conclusion: Individual differences in depressive symptoms, and not changes in an individual’s depressive symptoms over time, partially explain the link between SCD and objective memory. Older adults with SCD and depressive symptoms may be at greater risk for poor cognitive outcomes. Future research should explore how perceived changes in memory affect other aspects of psychological well-being, and how these relationships influence cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of the Short Multidimensional Well-Being Questionnaire (SMWQ)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Lucile Bigot ◽  
Catherine Garncarzyk ◽  
Antoine Gauthier ◽  
Gaelle Quarck ◽  
Fabrice Dosseville
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Four Dimensions

Purpose: Psychological well-being and health are closely linked at older ages. It is widely recognized that adapted regular physical exercise improves drastically both the physical and emotional well-being and allows older adults to stay healthy longer, with a better quality of life. In the framework of a European project (MOTION) to increase the life expectancy, independence and quality of life of older adults, the aim of the current research was to develop and validate a brief, multi-faceted, self-report measure of well-being in older adults. Method: The aim of Study 1 was to establish the factor structure of the newly developed measure using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The aim of Study 2 was to replicate the measure's factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and to evaluate test-retest reliability and convergent validity. Results: Analyses allowed generating a model of well-being comprising four dimensions: Perceived physical value, self-esteem and self-efficacy, socialization, and emotional reactions. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the SMWQ is appropriate for use with older adults and can help researchers and health professionals to assess the effects of APA programs.

scholarly journals The Turkish adaptation and psychometric properties of the Geriatric Anxiety Scale

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faika Sanal Karahan ◽  
Erdal Hamarta ◽  
Ali Yavuz Karahan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Turkish Version ◽  
Internal Reliability

The purpose of the present study is to translate and adapt the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), a 30-item self-report measure of anxiety among older adults, into Turkish and examine its basic psychometric properties. We tested the translated GAS in a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Konya, Turkey (N=100; Mage=71.4 years, SD=6.5; range=65-88) without a history of mental disorder and sufficient cognitive abilities. To assess the convergent validity, Turkish versions of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were administered. The mean GAS total score was 13.33 (SD=11.86). Due to low item-total correlations (<0.30), two items (items 2 and 3) were removed from the Turkish version of the GAS. The internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) was excellent for the total score (0.91) and acceptable for the subscales (somatic = 0.71; cognitive = 0.85; affective = 0.84). Regarding the convergent validity, the GAS total score was significantly and positively correlated with the total scores of the BAI (r=0.87, P<0.05) and GDS (r=0.57, P<0.05), with large effect sizes. Implications: The newly translated Turkish version of the GAS has promising utility in an older adult Turkish sample. Future studies of this measure are warranted.

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Student Worry Questionnaire–30

2001 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 277-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augustine Osman ◽  
Peter M. Gutierrez ◽  
William R. Downs ◽  
Beverly A. Kopper ◽  
Francisco X. Barrios ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Oblimin Rotation ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Report Measure

Described are the development and initial psychometric properties (Ns = 50 and 188) of a self-report measure, the Student Worry Questionnaire–30, for use with college undergraduates Exploratory principal components analyses (Ns = 388, 350, and 396) with oblimin rotation indicated six domains of worrisome thinking, financial-related concerns, significant others' well-being, social adequacy concerns, academic concerns, and general anxiety symptoms. The total score and scale scores showed internal consistency of .80 to .94. Also, test-retest reliability analyses (.75 to .80) support consistency of responses over 4 wk. Strong evidence for convergent validity was indicated. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the fit of the 6-factor oblique model. Limitations of the present studies, and directions for research are discussed.

scholarly journals VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE FLOURISHING SCALE: LATVIAN VERSION

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 171-180
Author(s):  
Inese Sadauska ◽  
Aleksandrs Koļesovs
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Fit Indices ◽  
Validity And Reliability

The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Latvian version of the Flourishing Scale (FS), created by Diener et al. (2010). FS is a brief self-report measure of the respondent’s well-being and success in areas of relationships, self-esteem, purpose, and optimism. The scale provides a single score across 8 items. The original FS was translated to Latvian and then back to English. The Satisfaction with Life Scale and Meaning in Life Questionnaire was applied for testing the convergent validity of the FS. Participants of the study were 191 people, ranged in age from 19 to 68 (159 women, mean age M = 30.62, SD = 9.50). Reliability analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) of the scale were performed. EFA indicated a one-factor structure. Results showed that the Latvian version of FS has good psychometric properties and demonstrated convergent validity. Testing of the original model by CFA resulted in acceptable fit indices.

The assessment of anxiety in aged care residents: a systematic review of the psychometric properties of commonly used measures

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 967-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra S. Creighton ◽  
Tanya E. Davison ◽  
David W. Kissane
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facility

ABSTRACTBackground:Assessing anxiety among residential aged care facility (RACF) residents is challenging, and it cannot be assumed that valid and reliable measures used within the community are also appropriate for this setting. This review systematically examined the literature to identify which anxiety measures were most commonly used with older adults in RACFs, and determine whether psychometric data support their use within this population.Methods:Using the PRISMA guidelines, five electronic databases were searched using key terms and subject headings. The search was limited to literature published in English. Eligible studies utilized an anxiety measure to assess anxiety symptoms among RACF residents. Based on the findings of this search, a critical review of the research into the reliability, validity, and administrative and respondent burden of the most commonly used measures (i.e. used in four or more studies) was conducted.Results:In total, 1,771 articles were identified, with 50 studies included in this review. Overall, 22 measures were used, with the majority of studies utilizing a clinician-administered or self-report measure. The RAID, HADS, STAI, and GAI were the most commonly used measures. While overall there is a lack of research and consensus into the psychometric properties of these measures within RACFs, strongest evidence of reliability and validity was found for the GAI.Conclusion:Commonly used measures of anxiety within aged care populations are not well validated for this complex subsample of older adults. Strengths and weaknesses of each measure with regards to their usefulness in aged care settings are discussed, with future research areas highlighted.

scholarly journals Enhancing ‘meaningfulness’ of functional assessments: UK adaptation of the Amsterdam IADL questionnaire

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Gemma Stringer ◽  
Iracema Leroi ◽  
Sietske A. M. Sikkes ◽  
Daniela Montaldi ◽  
Laura J. E. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Functional Measures ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACT Objective: Commonly used measures of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) do not capture activities for a technologically advancing society. This study aimed to adapt the proxy/informant-based Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) for use in the UK and develop a self-report version. Design: An iterative mixed method cross-cultural adaptation of the A-IADL-Q and the development of a self-report version involving a three-step design: (1) interviews and focus groups with lay and professional stakeholders to assess face and content validity; (2) a questionnaire to measure item relevance to older adults in the U.K.; (3) a pilot of the adapted questionnaire in people with cognitive impairment. Setting: Community settings in the UK. Participants: One hundred and forty-eight participants took part across the three steps: (1) 14 dementia professionals; 8 people with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease; and 6 relatives of people with MCI or dementia; (2) 92 older adults without cognitive impairment; and (3) 28 people with SCD or MCI. Measurements: The cultural relevance and applicability of the A-IADL-Q scale items were assessed using a 6-point Likert scale. Cognitive and functional performance was measured using a battery of cognitive and functional measures. Results: Iterative modifications to the scale resulted in a 55-item adapted version appropriate for UK use (A-IADL-Q-UK). Pilot data revealed that the new and revised items performed well. Four new items correlated with the weighted average score (Kendall’s Tau −.388, −.445, −.497, −.569). An exploratory analysis of convergent validity found correlations in the expected direction with cognitive and functional measures. Conclusion: The A-IADL-Q-UK provides a measurement of functional decline for use in the UK that captures culturally relevant activities. A new self-report version has been developed and is ready for testing. Further evaluation of the A-IADL-Q-UK for construct validity is now needed.

scholarly journals The Turkish adaptation and psychometric properties of the Geriatric Anxiety Scale

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Faika Sanal Karahan ◽  
Erdal Hamarta ◽  
Ali Yavuz Karahan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Turkish Version ◽  
Internal Reliability

The purpose of the present study is to translate and adapt the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), a 30-item self-report measure of anxiety among older adults, into Turkish and examine its basic psychometric properties. We tested the translated GAS in a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Konya, Turkey (N=100; Mage=71.4 years, SD=6.5; range=65-88) without a history of mental disorder and sufficient cognitive abilities. To assess the convergent validity, Turkish versions of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were administered. The mean GAS total score was 13.33 (SD=11.86). Due to low item-total correlations (<0.30), two items (items 2 and 3) were removed from the Turkish version of the GAS. The internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was excellent for the total score (0.91) and acceptable for the subscales (somatic = 0.71; cognitive = 0.85; affective = 0.84). Regarding the convergent validity, the GAS total score was significantly and positively correlated with the total scores of the BAI (r=0.87, P<0.05) and GDS (r=0.57, P<0.05), with large effect sizes. Implications: The newly translated Turkish version of the GAS has promising utility in an older adult Turkish sample. Future studies of this measure are warranted.

scholarly journals Comparing the Reliability and Validity of Global Self-Report Measures of Subjective Well-Being With Experiential Day Reconstruction Measures

Assessment ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan W. Hudson ◽  
Ivana Anusic ◽  
Richard E. Lucas ◽  
M. Brent Donnellan
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Reconstruction Method ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Informant Agreement

Self-report measures of global well-being are thought to reflect the overall quality of people’s lives. However, several scholars have argued that people rely on heuristics, such as current mood, when reporting their global well-being. Experiential well-being measures, such as the day reconstruction method (DRM), have been proposed as an alternative technique to obtain a potentially more accurate assessment of well-being. Across two multimethod, short-term longitudinal studies, we compared the psychometric properties of global self-reports and short-form DRM-based assessments of well-being. We evaluated their stability across one month, tested their convergent validity using self–informant agreement, and evaluated correlations with personality traits. Results indicated that global measures of well-being were more stable than DRM-based experiential measures. Self–informant agreement was also either equal across global and DRM measures or higher for global measures. Correlations with personality were similar across approaches. These findings suggest that DRM and global measures of well-being have similar psychometric properties when used to provide an overall assessment of a person’s typical level of subjective well-being.

Talk or Walk? Gait Speed over Self-Report in Association with Cognitive Speed in Healthy Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-52
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Costello ◽  
Shane J. Sizemore ◽  
Kimberly E. O’Brien ◽  
Lydia K. Manning
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Subjective Report ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Relative Value ◽  
Cognitive Speed ◽  
Age Range

Abstract. This study explores the relative value of both subjectively reported cognitive speed and gait speed in association with objectively derived cognitive speed. It also explores how these factors are affected by psychological and physical well-being. A group of 90 cognitively healthy older adults ( M = 73.38, SD = 8.06 years, range = 60–89 years) were tested in a three-task cognitive battery to determine objective cognitive speed as well as measures of gait speed, well-being, and subjective cognitive speed. Analyses indicated that gait speed was associated with objective cognitive speed to a greater degree than was subjective report, the latter being more closely related to well-being than to objective cognitive speed. These results were largely invariant across the 30-year age range of our older adult sample.

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