The Possibilities for Activity Scale (PActS): Development, validity, and reliability

Abstract

Background Laliberte-Rudman (2005) proposed the concept of occupational possibilities to represent what older adults feel they “should be” and “could be” doing. Purpose This study aimed to develop and validate a measure of perceived occupational possibilities: the Possibilities for Activity Scale (PActS). Method Two factors of the PActS, activity expectations and activity self-efficacy, were operationalized in a 14-item instrument. The instrument was then evaluated with a sample of older adults diagnosed with cancer (n = 179). Findings The PActS demonstrated promising internal consistency reliability (stratified coefficient α =.77) and construct-related (r =. 58; p < .0001), structural (Chi-square, 61.57; CFI, .97; RMSEA, 0.05; TLI, .96; NFI, .91) and known-groups validity. Implications The PActS appears to be a useful measure of internalized occupational possibilities for participation in activity for older adults with cancer. This scale can enhance the measurement of participation in activity by evaluating the perceptions of occupational possibilities.

Predicting participation in meaningful activity for older adults with cancer

“…Moreover, such a limited perspective may marginalize groups who may experience illnesses or have financial and/or disability statuses that render them unable to “live up to” (i.e., participate in) the activities that are considered ideal [18]. As a concept and measure, possibilities for activity inherently incorporate the effects of societal influences on individuals and thereby become important to assessing vulnerable populations as well as the privileged [16, 33]. …”

“…It consists of two parts, activity expectations and activity self-efficacy [33]. There are 12 items in total.…”

“…The instrument also showed construct-related ( r = . 58; p < .0001), structural (Chisquare, 61.57; CFI, .97; RMSEA, 0.05; TLI, .96; NFI, .91), and known-groups validity in a sample of older adults with cancer [33]. …”

Older Adults with Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Occupational and Physical Therapy

“…GA measures were used to detect eligible impairments: Blessed Orientation‐Memory‐Concentration scale (score ≥11 considered at risk for cognitive impairment); Timed Up and Go (fall risk >13.5 s); subscale Multi‐Dimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire Older Adults Resource and Services (score <14 considered dependency in any IADL); Medical Outcomes Study physical health scale (dependency in bathing/dressing or an overall score ≤70 as evidence of decreased physical ability); presence of falls in the last 6 months; and low 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test performance (cutoff value determined by age) …”

“…Response options are in a Likert‐type format ranging from “very little” [1] to “quite a lot” [5], and summed for a total score from 12 to 60. Higher scores indicate better congruence between what respondents feel they should/could be doing and their participation in meaningful activity …”