Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the selection, optimization, compensation questionnaire

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 460467 Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the selection, optimization, compensation questionnaire Background: The model of selection, optimization and compensation has been proposed as a model of adaptive management strategies throughout the lifespan. Aim: The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a translated Swedish version of the 12-item selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) questionnaire. Method: The 12-item SOC questionnaire is composed of four subscales: elective selection (ES), loss-based selection, optimization and compensation. A convenience sample of 122 Swedish-speaking people, aged 1985, participated in a study of the validity and reliability of the SOC questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, corrected itemtotal correlation and Cronbach's alpha if item deleted were used for reliability testing. Two other scales, the ways of coping questionnaire and Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, were used to test convergent validity, and the geriatric depression scale was used to test discriminant validity. Stability over time was evaluated using a testretest model with a 2-week interval. Results: The 12-item SOC questionnaire showed a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.50, and the subscales ranged from =0.16 to =0.64. Two items in the ES subscale had negative values on the corrected itemtotal correlation and showed substantial improvement (>0.05) in Cronbach's alpha when item deleted. When these two items that influenced internal consistency were deleted, Cronbach's alpha rose to 0.68. Conclusion: The Swedish version of the 12-item SOC questionnaire showed deficiencies in a test of internal consistency because of two items in the ES subscale, and these two items were deleted. A consequence of the reduction is a weakening of the ES subscale and thereby to some extent the SOC questionnaire in total. Further testing is advisable. However, the 10-item SOC questionnaire was acceptable in a test of validity and reliability.