Factorial Structure and Measurement Invariance of the PANAS in Spanish Older Adults

Abstract

Developmental theories suggest age-related changes in the structure of affect. Paradoxically, the internal structure of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988) has not been tested in Spanish older adults by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) despite it is the most widely used measure of emotional well-being in later life. The aim of this study was to examine competing models of the internal structure of the Spanish version of the PANAS, its measurement invariance, reliability, and external validity. Participants were a representative sample of 585 community-dwelling people aged 60 and over, who also completed depression, loneliness and life satisfaction measures. Results showed that the orthogonal two-factor model with correlated errors (RMSEA = .057, 90% CI [.051, .063], SRMR = .084, CFI = .97, NNFI = .97) was the best fitting solution. Measurement invariance analyses confirmed that the two-independent factor structure can be used across young-old and very old people, as well as in both males and females. It showed good reliability (PA: α = .93, NA: α = .83), criterion, convergent and discriminant validity (p < .01). Our discussion highlights the role of age and culture in the experience and expression of emotions.

Validation of the PANAS: A Measure of Positive and Negative Affect for Use with Cross-National Older Adults

“…Lastly, the reliability of the PANAS proved to be good, which is in line with the results found in previous validation studies with old samples (Buz, Pérez-Arechaederra, Fernández-Pulido, & Urchaga, 2015;Nolla, Queral, & Miró, 2014).…”

“…90%=[.039;.047]), similarly to previous research (Buz et al, 2015;Nolla, Queral, & Miró, 2014). Hence, these user-driven outcomes may be applied in combination with other well-being and health-related measures for policy programs and community-based interventions with cultural-diverse old people.…”

“…9, No. 2; the measure in cross-national settings (Terracciano et al, 2003;Thompson, 2007), in diverse ethnic groups (Merz et al, 2013), and among older adults (Buz, Pérez-Arechaederra, Fernández-Pulido, & Urchaga, 2015;Nolla, Queral, & Miró, 2014). Additionally, thus far no studies have validated the PANAS within a cross-national older sample.…”

“…Several versions of the PANAS have also been validated for Portuguese-speaking samples (Carvalho et al, 2013;Galinha, Pereira, & Esteves, 2014;Galinha & Pais-Ribeiro, 2005;Pires, Filgueiras, Ribas, & Santana, 2013), with good psychometric properties, and these reliably measured two distinct dimensions (PA and NA), based on the earlier work by Watson and his colleagues (1988). Additionally, previous research revealed some validations of the PANAS among small older samples (Albuquerque, Sousa, & Martins, 2010;Buz, Pérez-Arechaederra, Fernández-Pulido, & Urchaga, 2015;Nolla, Queral, & Miró, 2014). Thompson (2007), and Terracciano and his colleagues (2003) reported the validation of different versions of PANAS using informants from a range of cultural backgrounds.…”

El afecto positivo como factor protector del comportamiento de rechazo a la escuela

“…El estudio de la afectividad es un campo de investigación en el que predominan los trabajos aplicados en muestra adulta (Buz, Pérez-Arechaederra, Fernández-Pulido & Urchaga, 2015;Moriondo et al, 2011;Nolla, Queral & Miró, 2014). A pesar de que existen estudios que han analizado el afecto en niños y adolescentes (Ebesutani et al, 2012;Randler & Weber, 2015), así como en estudiantes universitarios (Robles & Páez, 2003), diversas investigaciones advierten de que el estudio del AP en el contexto escolar cotidiano resulta insuficiente (Buff, Reusser, Rakoczy & Pauli, 2011;Meyer & Turner, 2007).…”