Factor Structure, Reliability, and Convergent Validity of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey for Older Adults

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health

AOTF: The American Occupational Therapy Foundation

Life Balance: Multidisciplinary Theories and Research

Feature Article
Factor Structure, Reliability, and Convergent Validity of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey for Older Adults

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health
Vol. 30, No. 3 Summer 2010

By Aaron M. Eakman, PhD, OTR/L; Mike E. Carlson, PhD; Florence A. Clark, PhD, OTR/L

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) (Goldberg, Brintnell, & Goldberg, 2002) in a sample of older adults living in the greater Los Angeles area. The EMAS evidenced moderate test-retest reliability (r = .56) and good internal consistency (α = .89). Exploratory factor analysis (principal components) discerned a two-component structure within the EMAS, indicative of Personal-Competence and Social-Experiential meaning. The EMAS demonstrated theoretically predicted zero-order correlations with measures of meaning and purpose in life, depressive symptomology, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life. Regression analyses discerned that purpose and meaning in life consistently predicted the EMAS and its components. Furthermore, individuals reporting greater levels of Social-Experiential relative to Personal-Competence meaning had the lowest levels of physical health-related quality of life. This study offers initial evidence in support of the EMAS as a valid measure of meaningful activity in older adults.

AUTHORS

Aaron M. Eakman, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor and Director, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Kasiska College of Health Professions, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho. Mike E. Carlson, PhD, is Research Professor, and Florence A. Clark, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Dean, Chair, and Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.

Originally submitted December 22, 2008. Accepted for publication March 19, 2009. Posted online May 25, 2009.

Address correspondence to Aaron Eakman at eakmaaro@isu.edu.

doi: 10.3928/15394492-20090518-01

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