Engagement in meaningful activities survey: Portuguese version for middle-age and older adults

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Araujo, L (Author) Other; Teixeira, L (Author) ICBAS; Abreu, T (Author) Other; Ribeiro, O (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Educational Gerontology

Pages: 1-10

ISSN: 0360-1277

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-018-VRC

DOI: 10.1080/03601277.2025.2502880

Abstract (EN): Participation in daily activities has been associated with positive health effects and well-being. Several studies have highlighted the importance of focusing on the personal meaningfulness of such participation and less on the extent and frequency of activities. The Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) is a widely used instrument to assess such meaningfulness. This study aims to explore the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity of the Portuguese version of the EMAS and to contribute to the international discussion about the dimensions of this scale. The sample comprised 203 middle aged and older adults (mean age 73.96 years, SD = 9.42 years), most of whom were women (70.9%). Data collection included the translated and adapted Portuguese version of the EMAS and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The EMAS's internal consistency was alpha = .91. The exploratory factorial analysis revealed the unifactorial structure of the scale. Test-retest (r = 0.67) and criterion validity (r = 0.36) presented appropriate values. These data show that the Portuguese version of the EMAS represents a reliable and valid measure to capture the subjective qualities of meaningful activity participation. This scale can be of particular use in defining interests and planning interventions targeting middle age and older adults as well as for assessing the impact of interventions that focus on activity participation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10