Development of an Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly (ASADE) and Its Psychometric Properties

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly and determine its reliability and validity. Methods:The study sample was comprised of 309 elderly participants aged 65 and older living in 2 nursing homes. The theoretical framework for the scale was the Roy Adaptation Model. The construct validity of the scale was tested using exploratory factor analysis, and reliability was assessed using internal consistency and split-half reliability. Results:The content validity index of the scale was 98.54 %. Factor analysis yielded 4 factors with eigenvalues of 1 and above, which explained 65.57% of the total variance. The alpha coefficient for the scale was 0.93. Cronbach's alpha values were 0.88 for the first half and 0.89 for the second half; the Guttman Cronbach's alpha value was 0.83. Conclusion:The final scale consists of 24 items answered on a 4-point Likert-type scale. The scale is evaluated on the basis of a mean score; the lowest score possible is 0 and the highest is 3. The closer the individual's score is to 0, the higher the level of adaptation. The current study found good reliability and validity for the scale. It is recommended for use in determining the extent of adaptation difficulties of the elderly.

The Relation of Adaptation Difficulty to Death Anxiety and Depression Among Individuals Living in a Nursing Home

“…However, needs may be inadequately met when individuals move to live in a nursing home, and they can develop adaptation difficulties as well as feelings of depression, anxiety, weakness and reduced self-worth. 6,18 In the present research, most participants had good overall adaptation and could still do their daily work independently (80.6%). However, adaptations to changed roles and self-actualisation were more negative compared with that in other dimensions, similar to previous reports.…”

“…The fundamental requirement of role and self-actualisation is arguably social integration, and another study reported that the weakening of social relations and detachment from society increased the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly and were significantly associated with death. 18,22 This finding of our study is important for determining the changing roles that emerge due to aging.…”

“…However, adaptations to changed roles and self-actualisation were more negative compared with that in other dimensions, similar to previous reports. 18 This result explains the 1 st question of the research. It was proposed that the role change caused by aging increased the possibility of adaptation difficulty.…”

“…This scales which was developed by Sisman and Kutlu, included 4point Likert-type scales covering 24 items. 18 The scales were evaluated by calculating the mean overall score (range 0-3), as follows: no=0 point; some= 1 point; quite=2 points; and very=3 points. Adaptation was considered higher if the score was closer to zero.…”

“…1 Even though several national and international studies have been conducted for examining death anxiety and depression, few have examined the role of adaptation difficulty. [5][6][7][8][9]12,[15][16][17][18] The aim of elderly care should be to meet the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of the individuals, and to improve their quality of life. Despite the growing population of the elderly, their psychological and spiritual needs cannot be met adequately.…”