An Instrument to Measure the Attentional Demands of Community-Dwelling Elders

Authors: Jansen, Debra A.¹; Keller, Mary L.²

Source: Journal of Nursing Measurement, Volume 7, Number 2, 1999 , pp. 197-214(18)

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

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Abstract:

The capacity to direct attention (CDA) is a pivotal facet of cognitive functioning that allows people to focus on trains of thought, complex tasks, and the daily business of life. According to a theoretical framework of directed attentional fatigue (DAF) and restoration, excessive demand for attention depletes CDA, a condition called DAF. Attentional demands are factors such as feelings of loss and worries that require intense or prolonged use of CDA and thus can lead to DAF. The purposes of this study were to determine reliability and validity for an instrument to measure attentional demands, the Attentional Demands Survey (ADS). The ADS was administered to 197 (142 females, 50 males) community-dwelling elderly (ages 65-98 years, M = 77). A factor analysis revealed 4 factors/subscales consistent with theorized domains. Internal consistency for each subscale ranged from .87 to .90 and test-retest reliability was .91. The ADS can be used to explore the relationships among attentional demands, CDA, and interventions to support and restore attentional functioning for elders.

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire School of Nursing 2: University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Nursing

Publication date: 1999-01-01

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Journal of Nursing Measurement serves as a forum for the dissemination of information regarding instruments, tools, approaches, or procedures developed or utilized for the measurement of variables for nursing practice, education, and research.
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