Development and validation of a life satisfaction scale for Chinese elders

Int J Aging Hum Dev. 2008;67(2):149-70. doi: 10.2190/AG.67.2.c.

Abstract

This study reports the development and validation of a culturally sensitive, domain-specific measure of life satisfaction for Chinese Elders--The Life Satisfaction Scale--Chinese (LSS-C). The LSS-C was administered to 1,502 randomly-selected older Chinese persons in three newly developed towns in Mainland China. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a conceptually meaningful two-factor model-one of instrumental needs of daily life and one of social and relational needs. Criterion-related validity was satisfactory when positively correlated with a single-item global life satisfaction measure and the Life Satisfaction Index A, and negatively correlated with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The reliability of the eight-item scale was satisfactory, with the internal consistency coefficient equal to .78 and the split half coefficient equal to .81. LSS-C was direct and easy to administer, and it is recommended for use on Chinese elders.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Asian People / psychology*
  • Asian People / statistics & numerical data
  • Depression / ethnology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards
  • Quality of Life*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*