The psychosocial preferences of older adults: A pilot examination of content and structure

Brian D. Carpenter, Kimberly Van Haitsma, Katy Ruckdeschel, M. Powell Lawton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

Individualizing care for older persons depends on knowing about a care recipient's psychosocial preferences. Currently, however, no comprehensive, empirically derived instruments exist to assess these preferences. As part of an effort to develop such an instrument, this pilot study examined the content and structure of psychosocial preferences in older adults using the statistical technique known as concept mapping. Results suggest two underlying dimensions to psychosocial preferences (Enrichment-Self- Maintenance and Extrapersonal-Intrapersonal) and six distinct content domains (Social Contact, Growth Activities, Leisure Activities, Self-Dominion, Support Aids, and Caregivers and Care). Both the dimensions and the content domains provide valuable information for the construction of psychosocial preference instruments. They also might assist formal and informal caregivers in tailoring their interventions to provide individualized care that enhances quality of life for older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)335-348
Number of pages14
JournalGerontologist
Volume40
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Gerontology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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