The purpose of this research was to develop an updated scale based on the framework that Neugarten, Havighurst and Tobin (1961) used to design the Life Satisfaction Index- Form A (LSI-A). The new instrument, the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age (LSITA), was used to assess 654 third age adults in a measurement development process to establish the LSITA's psychometric properties. These individuals were Midwestern United States adults from selected third age learning events, retirement centers, church events, community centers and the general public. The participants were all over fifty years old consistent with the definition of the third age and the sample used in the original LSI-A sample.The arrival of the baby boom generation at the threshold of the third age heightened the need to better understand the barriers and contributors to successful aging. LSI-A had been the result of an effort in the early 1960's to measure the construct of successful aging. It has been the most used instrument in the psychosocial study of aging. The author had been involved in a research study that used LSI-A to explore the effects on participants in learning events on their sense of successful aging. The research project led to an appreciation of the importance of measuring successful aging as well as the need to apply current statistical techniques to a revised instrument based on Neugarten, Havighurst, and Tobin's theoretical framework.The LSITA was designed and its psychometric properties assessed using the eight-step design process from DeVellis (1991). The reliability of the 35-item scale was .93 with satisfactory content, construct and criterion validity. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis was performed using structural equation modeling and a satisfactory goodness of fit was obtained.The five sub-scales were as follows:zest for life without a sense of anxiety,successful resolution of life issues and the fortitude to continue,congruence of achievements with goals,positive self-concept,elevated mood tone.The new instrument has been made available to researchers by contacting the author at andybarrettii@earthlink.net. The expectation is that the researchers will provide the author with an electronic copy of their responses to add to the database. / Department of Educational Studies
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/174956 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Barrett, Andrew J. |
| Contributors | Murk, Peter J. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | xv, 101 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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