Objective: to examine the measurement properties of instruments that have been used to measure aspects of psychological capacity in adults aged 60 years and over.
Methods: the databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMCARE and Scopus from 2010 were searched using search terms related to psychological capacity, older persons and measurement properties. Both data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted using the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) criteria using Covidence software.
Results: the full text of 326 articles were reviewed and a total of 30 studies were included, plus two further articles identified from reference lists (n = 32). No single instrument measuring psychological capacity was identified. Twenty (n = 20) instruments were identified that measure seven constructs of psychological capacity: Resilience; Sense of coherence; Hope; Mindfulness; Optimism; Attachment to life; Emotional regulation.
Conclusions: this systematic review identified potential measures of psychological capacity in older adults. The review will inform further work to develop a single comprehensive measure of psychological capacity in older adults.
Keywords: healthy ageing; intrinsic capacity; older people; psychological capacity; psychometric property; systematic review.
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