A spiritual screening tool for older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this non-experimental study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a self-administered screening tool for spiritual distress in older adults. The tool was unique in that items were consistent with a conceptual definition of spirituality presented in the professional literature and supported by theories of behavioral development for older adults.

METHODS

Questionnaires were distributed to residents of a continuing care retirement community participating in a class on spirituality.

RESULTS

The split-half reliability coefficient was found to be 0.776. Construct validity was established and a cutoff value for spiritual distress was determined.

DISCUSSION

Tests for reliability and validity demonstrated confidence in use of the tool to screen for spiritual distress in older adults.