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Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
The development and initial validation of the narrative foreclosure scale
Ernst T Bohlmeijer1, Gerben J Westerhof, Sanne M A Lamers
1a Department of Psychology, Health & Technology , University of Twente , Enschede , The Netherlands.
A new scale measures narrative foreclosure, a hindrance to identity development in older adults. This reliable tool aids research into aging and mental well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Identity development is crucial in later life.
- Narrative foreclosure, a premature end to identity exploration, is a growing concern.
- A validated instrument is needed to measure narrative foreclosure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a short, reliable, and user-friendly instrument for measuring narrative foreclosure.
- To assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the new scale.
Main Methods:
- The Narrative Foreclosure Scale (NFS) was validated in two studies.
- Participants included middle-aged adults (n=319) and older adults (n=174).
- Confirmatory factor analyses and construct validity assessments were performed.
Main Results:
- The two-factor model (NF-Future and NF-Past) showed an acceptable fit.
- The NFS demonstrated adequate to good internal consistency (alpha coefficients .79–.88).
- The scale showed good construct validity and incremental validity for positive mental health.
Conclusions:
- A reliable scale is now available to study hindered identity development in older adults.
- The NFS can be used in studies on meaning-making and identity development interventions.
- Recommended for use in life-review and narrative therapy research.
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