Using and interpreting mental health measures in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) included five unique mental health measures in Waves 1 and 2 that researchers can use to measure the overall emotional health of participants: depressive symptoms, happiness-unhappiness, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and felt loneliness. For each, we detail the rationale for its development and explain how to score, analyze, and interpret results.

Method

NSHAP developed its measures by modifying traditional short-form scales to improve response efficiency and reduce respondent burden. Scoring protocols and interpretations were developed for each measure. U.S. population estimates for older adults born between 1920 and 1947 were generated using age-eligible samples from Waves 1 and 2.

Results

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SUBMITTER: Payne C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4303090 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature