A systematic review of the measurement properties of aspects of psychological capacity in older adults

Abstract

Abstract 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.