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The development and validation of the Age-Based Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire
Sonia K Kang1, Alison L Chasteen
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. sonia.kang@utoronto.ca
The Gerontologist
|May 2, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed the Age-Based Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ-Age) to measure how older adults react to age-based rejection. This reliable and valid tool helps understand individual differences in sensitivity to age-related stereotypes and stigma.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Older adults are vulnerable to negative aging stereotypes.
- Individual differences in this vulnerability are not well understood.
- A tool is needed to measure sensitivity to age-based rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Age-Based Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ-Age).
- To measure individual differences in expecting, perceiving, and reacting to age-based rejection.
Main Methods:
- Identified scenarios of negative age-related outcomes from older adults.
- Developed an initial 30-item questionnaire, refined to a 15-item RSQ-Age.
- Assessed reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) and construct validity.
Main Results:
- The RSQ-Age demonstrated good internal reliability (alpha = .91) and test-retest reliability (r = .74).
- Construct validity was supported by correlations with related psychological constructs.
- The questionnaire is a valid measure of age-based rejection sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The RSQ-Age is a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians.
- It aids in understanding the impact of age-based stigma on older adults.
- Useful for studying consequences on cognitive, behavioral, and health outcomes.
