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[Development of elderly meaning in life(EMIL) scale]
Soon-Ock Choi1, Sook-Nam Kim, Kyung-Il Shin
1College of Nursing, Busan Catholic University, Kumjeong-gu, Korea. dominica98@hanmail.net
Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi
|August 18, 2004
Summary
This study developed a valid and reliable scale to measure meaning in life in the elderly. The new scale identifies eight key factors contributing to a sense of purpose in later life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Context:
- Meaning in life is a crucial aspect of well-being for older adults.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture the multifaceted nature of meaning in later life.
Purpose:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive scale for assessing meaning in life among the elderly.
- To identify key factors contributing to a sense of meaning in later life.
Summary:
- A 37-item scale was developed through literature review, expert interviews, and statistical analysis (factor analysis, reliability testing).
- The scale demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = .908) and validity.
- Eight factors were identified: self-awareness, contentedness, purpose, family love, role awareness, future aspirations, commitment, and experienced love.
Impact:
- Provides a psychometrically sound instrument for researchers and clinicians to assess meaning in life in elderly populations.
- Facilitates further research into factors influencing meaning in life and its relationship with well-being in older adults.