Open AccessSatisfaction with abilities and well‐being: Development and validation of a questionnaire for use among persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Author(s) -
Katz Patricia P.,
Alfieri Wendy S.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1790100204
Subject(s) - cronbach's alpha , psychosocial , clinical psychology , rheumatoid arthritis , internal consistency , life satisfaction , scale (ratio) , psychology , medicine , construct validity , well being , physical therapy , psychometrics , psychiatry , social psychology , physics , quantum mechanics , psychotherapist
Objective . To develop a questionnaire to measure satisfaction with abilities and well‐being of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods . We used data from a panel study of persons with RA(n = 446). The 13 items of the Satisfaction with Abilities and Well‐Being Scale (SAWS) were based on problematic aspects of RA and domains of life activities. Results . The SAWS demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). Two subscales were identified, Satisfaction with Abilities and Satisfaction with Well‐Being, which also demonstrated internal consistency (α = 0.91 and α = 0.82, respectively). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with psychosocial and clinical variables. After controlling for demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics, there was a significant inverse association between SAWS scores and depressive symptoms scores. Conclusions . The SAWS appears to be a valid and reliable measure of satisfaction with abilities and well‐being among persons with RA. Longitudinal studies will examine the role of satisfaction in the development of depressive symptoms.