Psychometric properties of the 10-item and 25-item gerotranscendence scale

A study among young, middle-aged, and older adults in Slovenia

Abstract

The gerotranscendence theory posits that old age represents a profound and transformative phase, characterized by a fundamental reorientation in individuals' perceptions of life and existence. To quantify gerotranscendence in a cross-sectional context, Tornstam devised two gerotranscendence scales: a comprehensive 25 item version and a more concise 10-item version. Although the psychometric properties of the 10-item gerotranscendence scale have been examined in older populations, the comprehensive 25-item scale remains underexplored and the reliability of both scales have been seldomly tested on younger populations. The present study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the psychometric properties of both the 10-item and 25-item Slovene gerotranscendence scale in a sample of young, middle-aged, and older adults. Data for the study were derived from the third wave of the European Social Survey CRONOS 2 Web panel conducted in Slovenia, comprising 502 participants 18 to 82 years old. Both the gerotranscendence scales exhibited remarkably weak model fit in all age groups, both collectively and disaggregated. This finding renders the measurement of gerotranscendence in Slovenia using the original gerotranscendence scales unfeasible and underscores the need for further refinement and scale development.