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The Wisdom Acquired During Emergencies Scale - Development and Validity
Giovanni Battista Flebus1, Angela Tagini1, Marta Minonzio1
1Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
Frontiers in Psychology
|October 25, 2021
Summary
The Wisdom Acquired During Emergencies Scale (WADES) was developed to measure wisdom and self-regulation during crises. High WADES scores correlate with better emotional control and adaptation, indicating acquired wisdom in emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Emergency Preparedness
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted mental health and emotion regulation.
- Individual responses to restrictions varied, ranging from adaptive wisdom to maladaptive reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Wisdom Acquired During Emergencies Scale (WADES).
- To assess wisdom and self-regulation crucial for coping with unpredictable emergencies.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study with 212 Italian adults informed a 52-item scale.
- Reliability testing (N=1777) refined the scale to 25 items (Cronbach's α=0.83).
- Validity was assessed through correlations with established scales (N=1345, 1445, 878).
Main Results:
- High WADES scores were linked to effective emotion regulation and impulse control.
- Individuals with high WADES scores demonstrated tolerance for difficulties and adaptive behavioral changes.
- Positive correlations were found with traditional wisdom, empathy, post-traumatic growth, and life satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- The WADES is a reliable and valid measure of acquired wisdom during emergencies.
- The scale effectively captures the self-regulation and adaptive coping mechanisms needed in crisis situations.
- High WADES scores signify enhanced wisdom, characterized by emotional control and personal growth.
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