Measuring Resilience in Two Generations: Psychometric Properties of Available Instruments

J Nurs Meas. 2017 Aug 1;25(2):332-352. doi: 10.1891/1061-3749.25.2.332.

Abstract

Background and purpose: This study examines measures of resilience to identify the best available measure for future research to assess efficacy of a low-cost intervention that enhances resilience of older adults and youth (i.e., intergenerational transfer of ethnic culture).

Methods: Scanning the literature produced no obvious choice; 3 measures showed promise: the Wagnild-Young Resilience Scale, Windle-Markland-Woods Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC); 200 ethnicityalike older adults and 192 youths completed all three scales.

Results: Factor analyses interpreted in consultation with a panel of community advisers showed no measure was statistically robust. The CD-RISC had acceptable reliability and a conceptually interpretable structure.

Conclusions: Results suggest the CD-RISC, supplemented by qualitative input, provides a way forward for research on efficacy of intergenerational interventions.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Child
  • Cultural Characteristics*
  • Female
  • Frail Elderly / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychometrics*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Resilience, Psychological*