Investigating the Factor Structure of an Instrument to Measure Attitudes and Preparedness to Work with Elders with Alzheimer's Disease

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the factor structure of an instrument to measure attitudes and preparedness of social work students to work with memory-impaired elders. Exploratory statistical procedures to reduce data through principle component analysis identified three factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.0 and a cumulative variance of 65.520%. These factors include general belief in the efficacy of psycho-therapeutic services for elders with memory impairment; self-perceived adequacy to provide services to elders with memory impairment; and belief in the efficacy of other ancillary services to elders with memory impairment. Recommendations are made for utilizing this brief self-report instrument in training and assessing students and other practitioners for their attitudes toward and greater preparedness to work with memory-impaired elders.

Key Words:

• Alzheimer's disease
• memory impairment
• therapeutic nihilism