Validating the Korean version of the Thinking About Life Experiences Scale

Abstract

The Thinking about Life Experiences (TALE) Scale is well-used in the autobiographical memory literature. Through rigorous examination of its psychometric properties, this study aimed to validate a Korean version of the Thinking About Life Experiences Scale (TALE-K) with Korean adults. Data were collected through an online survey. The TALE-K, and for convergent validity purposes the Korean-Reminiscence Functions Scale for the Elderly (K-RFS-E), were administered to participants aged 19 years to 77. Data from 440 community participants were analyzed. Structural validity and convergent validity were confirmed. Measurement invariance was confirmed across gender but it was partially confirmed across age group. Overall, Cronbach's αs for the three subscales and intra-class correlation coefficients were good to excellent. The TALE-K seems to be a reliable, valid self-report instrument for measuring three autobiographical memory functions (i.e., self-continuity, social-bonding, and directing-behavior functions) in Korean adults. Further studies to better understand autobiographical memory functions in different age groups are recommended.