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Semantic-cultural validation and internal consistency analysis of the Purpose in Life Scale for brazilian older adults

Validação Semântico-Cultural e Análise de Consistência Interna da Escala de Propósito de Vida em Adultos mais Velhos Brasileiros

Cristina Cristovão Ribeiro Anita Liberalesso Neri Mônica Sanches Yassuda About the authors

Abstract

Purpose in life is one of the six dimensions of psychological well-being. It refers to the sense that life has meaning and direction, and that goals have been achieved or are attainable.

Objective:

To perform the semantic-cultural validation and internal consistency analysis of the 10-item Purpose in Life scale of Ryff and Keyes.

Methods:

Data were drawn from an eight-year follow-up of older adults aged ≥80 in the FIBRA Study, conducted in Campinas, Brazil.

Results:

The mean age of participants (N=187) was 83.81 (±3.60), mean number of years of education was 4.38 (±3.76), and mean income was 3.49 minimum wages (±2.61), comprising 125 (66.8%) females (mean purpose = 3.51 ±0.68) and 62 (33.2%) males (mean purpose = 3.58±0.60). There was no significant difference in the purpose between men and women or between educational levels. For age and income, purpose was higher in the 80- to 84-year-old group (younger age) and with income of 3-5 minimum wages (higher income). Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was 0.628, indicating moderate internal consistency.

Conclusion:

The Purpose in Life scale was translated, adapted for use in Brazil and applied in a sample of old-old adults. Purpose seemed to be influenced by age and income.

Key words:
older adults; longevity; well-being; goal-directedness

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