A Measure to Assess Elderly Brazilians' Involvement in Pleasant Activities: Initial Evidence of Internal and External Validity

Author(s)

Ferreira, Heloisa Goncalves ^[1] ; Barham, Elizabeth Joan ^[1] ; Fontaine, Anne Marie G. V. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Porto, P-4100 Oporto - Portugal

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CLINICAL GERONTOLOGIST; v. 38, n. 5, p. 375-394, OCT 20 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The sense of pleasure that arises from engagement in activities is of fundamental importance for the well-being of older adults. In this study, we initiate the investigation of the psychometric properties of a Brazilian version of the California Older Person's Pleasant Events Schedule (COPPES; the Brazilian version is the OPPES-BR), which measures the frequency of older people's involvement in pleasant activities. The sample consisted of 337 community-dwelling older Brazilians, who completed the Beck Depression Inventory and OPPES-BR. Internal consistency of the ``Frequency,{''} ``Pleasure,{''} and ``Obtained Pleasure{''} scales was excellent, indicating evidence of internal validity. Frequency and Obtained Pleasure were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms, indicating evidence of external validity. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that responses of the Brazilians do not form the same domains, compared to the original sample of Californians. Further studies to continue evaluating the psychometric properties of the OPPES-BR, such as exploring the domains that are pertinent to older Brazilians, are needed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/00190-9 - Psychometric properties of an instrument that measures elderly people`s involvement in pleasant activities
• Grantee: Heloísa Gonçalves Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate