Reliability of the Emotional Experiences in Activities of Daily Living Scale

Abstract

There is a need to quantify daily emotional affect and demonstrate the range of emotions associated with occupational performance. We describe the development and psychometric testing of the Emotional Experiences in Activities of Daily Living Scale (EEADLs). A total of 343 individuals reported the frequency of positive and negative emotions in the context of activities of daily living. Factor analysis of emotional ratings and occupational areas was undertaken. Internal consistency was evaluated for each of the factors and the relationship between emotional ratings and task complexity was established. Internal consistency of emotional subscales was good (Cronbach’s α = .81–.82). Emotional ratings of daily activities varied by task complexity with more complex tasks rated as higher in both positive and negative valence. The findings of this study support the internal consistency of the EEADLs scale and suggest that assessment of emotional valence can occur within daily occupations.