Classic Tool, New Opportunities: A Psychometric Analysis of a Swedish Online Version of the Aging Semantic Differential Scale

Abstract

This study validated a Swedish translation of the Aging Semantic Differential Scale (ASD, 32-items) distributed online. Translation and back-translation were conducted. A convenience sample of nursing students completed the online questionnaire (N = 292) in spring 2020. Confirmatory factor analysis tested a validated four-factor structure consisting of 26 items, and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested. The Swedish version of the ASD was found to be reliable and valid. Model fit indices, internal reliability, and scale validity were acceptable. Construct validity was verified, and mean differences were observed, in accord with previous research regarding participants’ age, sex, clinical experience, and personal relationships with older individuals. The findings provide cross-cultural validation of the ASD by extending its international use. The validation of an online version expands data collection flexibility. As this modified instrument required only 26 items, it may be beneficial for use in future studies and practical settings.

Attitudes towards older adults (80 years and older): A measurement with the ageing semantic differential ‐ A cross‐sectional study of Austrian students

“…To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study in which the attitudes of students towards people aged 80 and older were specifically investigated in Austria. By confirming the four‐factor structure (instrumentality, autonomy, acceptability, integrity), our results support those of other authors (Gluth et al, 2010 ; Holmberg et al, 2020 ; Intrieri et al, 1995 ). Intrieri et al ( 1995 ) confirmed the four‐factor structure of ASD in the USA, and Gluth et al ( 2010 ) confirmed the German version of the ASD.…”

“…Our analysis of the ASD showed that they students -most of whom were young, female nursing students -had an overall slight tendency to hold negative attitudes towards persons who are 80 years and older. The Swedish study (Holmberg et al, 2020), reported slightly more positive attitudes as compared to our study and had the same target group regarding attitudes, but only investigated nursing students. Interestingly, the items concerning dependency (independent/dependent, self-reliant/dependent) showed high mean values in both studies.…”

“…Intrieri et al ( 1995 ) confirmed the four‐factor structure of ASD in the USA, and Gluth et al ( 2010 ) confirmed the German version of the ASD. Holmberg et al ( 2020 ) confirmed the four‐factor structure for the adapted Swedish version of the ASD. Confirmation of the four‐factor structure for the adapted Mandarin version of the ASD could not be achieved.…”

“…This four‐factor structure was also confirmed once for the German version by Gluth et al ( 2010 ). The four‐factor version of the ASD shows acceptable internal reliability, and the construct validity has been confirmed several times by performing confirmatory factor analyses (Gluth et al, 2010 ; Holmberg et al, 2020 ; Intrieri et al, 1995 ). As an overall concept, the ASD can be applied to measure ‘stereotypic attitudes towards older persons’ (Ayalon et al, 2019 ; Gonzales et al, 2010 ).…”

Attitudes towards oldest‐old adults (age ≥80 years): A survey and international comparison between Swedish and Austrian nursing students

“…Comparison of demographics among older adults in Sweden and Austria, stratified by sex 10 minutes. The Swedish data were collected via an online form between January and June 2020; the median time for completion was 4 minutes [22].…”