Construct validity in instrument development: a vital link between nursing practice, research, and theory

Construct validity provides a vital linkage between nursing practice, research, and theory. Seventeen articles published in Advances in Nursing Science that met the criterion of reporting instrument development or modification were examined for evidence of these linkages. All were based on theoretical constructs; nursing problems were identified in 15, and 14 provided evidence of construct validity. Factor analysis was the primary method of construct validity reported. Implications for nursing practice were limited, suggestions for research focused on further instrument development, and only half reported implications for theory development. The findings indicate the need to strengthen links between practice, research, and theory.