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Anxiety about Aging Scale
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About Anxiety about Aging Scale
Scale Name
Anxiety about Aging Scale
Author Details
Lasher‚ Kathleen Patterson‚ (1987)
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Anxiety about Aging Scale (AAS; Lasher & Faulkender, 1993) consists of 20 items that assess participants’ overall anxiety about ageing. Participants responded to the items using a Likert-type scale ranging from -4 (strongly disagree) to +4 (strongly agree) with higher scores representing greater levels of anxiety. The individual item responses were summed and had a possible range from -80 to +80. In prior research, the AAS has been shown to be negatively correlated with attitudinal measures of ageism as well as overall knowledge about the ageing process (Lasher & Faulkender, 1993). In the present study, the measure achieved a high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .83.
The concept of aging can evoke a mix of emotions, and for some, it can trigger significant anxiety. This is where the Anxiety About Aging Scale (AAS) comes in. Developed by researchers Lasher and Faulkender in 1993, the AAS is a multidimensional tool designed to assess a person’s fear and worry about getting older.
Unlike older, one-dimensional scales, the AAS takes a more nuanced approach. It acknowledges that anxiety about aging isn’t a single, monolithic feeling. Instead, it breaks it down into four distinct categories:
- Fear of Old People: This dimension taps into anxieties people hold about the stereotypes and realities associated with older adults. It might involve concerns about dependence, physical decline, or social isolation.
- Psychological Concerns: This aspect delves into anxieties related to mental well-being in later life. It could involve worries about losing cognitive function, experiencing depression, or lacking meaning and purpose.
- Physical Appearance: As we age, our bodies naturally change. The AAS acknowledges that these changes can be a source of anxiety, focusing on concerns about declining physical attractiveness, diminished physical abilities, or health problems.
- Fear of Loss: This dimension explores anxieties centered around potential losses associated with aging. It might involve worries about losing loved ones, independence, financial security, or social status.
By measuring these four distinct anxieties, the AAS provides a richer picture of a person’s overall concern about aging. This allows researchers and mental health professionals to better understand the specific worries someone might have and tailor interventions accordingly.
The AAS itself is a questionnaire typically consisting of 20 statements. Each statement reflects one of the four anxiety dimensions. Respondents rate their level of agreement with each statement on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” Higher scores on the scale indicate a greater degree of anxiety about aging.
The development of the AAS was a significant advancement in the field of aging research. It provided a reliable and valid tool for measuring a complex phenomenon and continues to be a valuable resource for understanding and addressing anxieties people may have about getting older.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Introduction: The administrator should begin by explaining the purpose of the questionnaire. Briefly explain that it’s about attitudes towards aging and emphasize anonymity and confidentiality of responses.
- Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. Explain the response scale and instruct participants to read each statement carefully and circle the number that best reflects their level of agreement.
- Completion: Allow participants sufficient time to complete the questionnaire without pressure.
- Collection: Once finished, collect the completed questionnaires or ensure responses are submitted electronically if using an online platform.
Reliability and Validity
The Anxiety About Aging Scale (AAS) has established itself as a reliable and valid tool for measuring anxiety about aging. Here’s a closer look at the evidence supporting these claims:
Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure. In the context of the AAS, it means that the scale produces similar results if administered to the same person multiple times under similar conditions.
- Internal Consistency: Studies have shown the AAS to have good internal consistency, meaning the items within each of the four anxiety dimensions (Fear of Old People, Psychological Concerns, Physical Appearance, Fear of Loss) are well-correlated and measure the same underlying construct. This is typically assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, with values above .70 considered acceptable and values above .80 considered strong.
Validity refers to whether a measure actually assesses what it claims to assess. The AAS demonstrates evidence for different types of validity:
- Content Validity: The content of the AAS items reflects the different aspects of anxiety about aging, making a logical connection between the statements and the intended construct.
- Construct Validity: Studies have supported the four-factor structure of the AAS. This means the scale effectively captures the four distinct dimensions it was designed to measure. Factor analysis techniques are used to assess this.
- Convergent Validity: The AAS scores correlate positively with other measures of anxiety and depression, suggesting it taps into a similar underlying construct.
- Divergent Validity: The AAS scores do not correlate highly with measures of unrelated constructs, such as life satisfaction or positive attitudes towards aging.
Available Versions
20-Items
Reference
- Lasher‚ Kathleen Patterson‚ (1987). “Development and initial validation of the Anxiety about Aging Scale”. Dissertation Archive. Paper 2835. http://aquila.usm.edu/theses_dissertations/2835
- Lasher‚ K. P.‚ & Faulkender‚ P. J. (1993). Measurement of aging anxiety: Development of the Anxiety about Aging Scale. International Journal of Aging and Human Development‚ 37(4):247-259.
- Wisdom‚ Nicholas M. (2010). social acceptance of age discrimination. Oklahoma State University. Doctoral dissertation
- Arash Poorsattar Bejeh Mir1‚* and Morvarid Poorsattar Bejeh Mir. (2014). Dentistry students ageing anxiety levels in northern Iran. Gerodontology‚ 31(4): 260–264
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AAS?
A self-report questionnaire measuring anxieties about aging.
What does it measure?
Four key anxieties: Fear of Old People, Psychological Concerns, Physical Appearance, Fear of Loss.
How is it administered?
Participants answer statements with a Likert scale (e.g., disagree-agree).
Is it reliable?
Yes, the scale produces consistent results when taken multiple times.
Is it valid?
Yes, it measures what it claims to – anxiety about aging – across various types of validity tests.
Are there limitations?
Cultural adaptations might be needed for different populations.
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