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The will-to-live scale: development, validation, and significance for elderly people
1a Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging, and Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences , Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel.
Aging & Mental Health
|September 2, 2015
Summary
A new scale reliably measures the will-to-live (WTL) in older adults, a key indicator of well-being. This validated instrument is recommended for research and care practices concerning older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychometrics
- Psychology
Background:
- Will-to-live (WTL) is a crucial indicator of subjective well-being (SWB) in old age.
- Previous WTL assessments were indirect or disease-specific.
- There was a need for a dedicated WTL measurement tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new scale measuring the will-to-live (WTL).
- To assess the psychometric properties of the WTL scale in older adults.
- To provide a reliable instrument for research and practice.
Main Methods:
- Developed a five-item WTL scale based on prior research.
- Evaluated the scale in a longitudinal study of 868 adults aged 75+.
- Utilized confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and temporal analyses for psychometric evaluation.
Main Results:
- CFA confirmed a single WTL latent factor with significant item contributions.
- Goodness-of-fit statistics were optimal, indicating strong measurement properties.
- Temporal analyses demonstrated reliability and construct validity; concurrent validity was supported by expected correlations with well-being and mental health indicators.
Conclusions:
- The WTL scale is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring will-to-live.
- The scale is suitable for research and practice concerning older adults' SWB.
- Recommended for use in gerontological research and end-of-life care settings.
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