Psychometric properties of the Life Regard Index-Revised: a validation study of a measure of personal meaning

A validation study of the English version of the 28-item Life Regard Index-Revised was undertaken with a sample of 91 participants from the general population. All previous studies of the Index have examined the Dutch version. The test-retest reliabilities at 8 wk. for the total Index (r =.87), Framework (r =.82), and Fulfillment (r =.81) subscales were very high. Cronbach alphas were .92, .83, and .87, respectively. A significant restriction of range was observed at the high-meaning end of the scale. Factor analysis only weakly supported the theorized two-factor structure. A very high disattenuated correlation between the Framework and Fulfillment subscales was observed (r=.94). The Index appeared to have adequate evidence supporting its concurrent and discriminant validity when compared with measures of hopelessness, spiritual well-being, and other measures of personal meaning. A significant positive association was found between the index and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (r=.38). The Index was also significantly associated with sex (women scoring higher) and marital status (divorced people scoring lower). Revisions of the English version may address the restriction of range problem by employing a 5-point rating scale, instead of the current 3-point scale, or by adding more discriminating items. Further factor-analytic studies with larger samples are needed before conclusions can be drawn regarding this scale's factor structure.