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Normative data and longitudinal invariance of the Life Engagement Test (LET) in a community sample of older adults

Abstract

Purpose  

Interest in evaluating purpose in life as an important component of ageing well is growing; however, investigation into the
appropriate measurement of this construct is required. The purpose of this paper was to examine the measurement properties
of the Life Engagement Test (LET) and to provide normative data for a non-clinical sample of community-dwelling older adults.

Methods  

A random sample of 545 adults, aged 55–94 years, completed the LET twice over a 12-month period as part of a larger survey
on relocation in later life.

Results  

Consistent with previous research, participants typically reported high levels of purpose in life. Scores were also observed
to vary over the 12-month duration, with, on average, an increase in purpose in life at Time 2. However, tests of longitudinal
invariance were inconclusive.

Conclusions  

Future research is needed to further examine the content validity of the LET, and its factorial invariance over longer measurement
intervals, and across different populations including non-residential/aged care settings.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Brief Communication
  • Pages 1-5
  • DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0146-2
  • Authors
    • Elissa L. Pearson, Centre for Ageing Studies, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
    • Tim D. Windsor, Centre for Ageing Studies, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
    • Dimity A. Crisp, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, the Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
    • Peter Butterworth, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, the Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
    • Pamela D. Pilkington, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
    • Kaarin J. Anstey, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, the Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia