Psychometric properties of the Purpose in Life Scale in Brazilian older adults

• Published in: Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging (Online) Vol. 16; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Oliveira, Daniel Vicentini de, Codonhato, Renan, Freire, Gabriel Lucas Morais, Nascimento, José Roberto Andrade do, Nascimento, Matheus Amarante do, Bertolini, Sonia Maria Marques Gomes, Fiorese, Lenamar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology 01-05-2022
• Subjects: aging; factor analysis; quality of life; subjective well-being
• ISSN: 2447-2123; 2447-2123
• DOI: 10.53886/gga.e0220009

Objective: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Purpose in Life Scale in a sample of Brazilian older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study applied the scale to 309 older adults (mean age = 69.33 ± 7.47 years) residing in the city of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. Data analysis was conducted through confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and factor invariance (p < 0.05). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that items 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 had a factor loading below 0.50 and should be excluded. The 1-factor model with 5 items showed acceptable reliability. Multigroup analysis revealed that the configurational, metric, and structural invariance of the 1-factor model with 5 items was acceptable for both men and women. Conclusion: Although the Brazilian version of Purpose in Life Scale presented acceptable psychometric properties in a reduced model with 5 items, there were limitations that should be explored in the future.