Validação da PANAS numa amostra portuguesa de pessoas idosas em resposta social

Background: Positive and negative affect are two psychobiological dimensions of subjective wellbeing (BES) relevant to the way institutional support is experienced in the lives of many older people. Aim: The study aimed to validate, in the context of institutional support, a brief version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), a questionnaire that allows us to evaluate positive and negative affect. Methods: A sample of 389 old adults (61 – 100 years; M = 80.89; SD = 7.48 years) was assessed with the PANAS, Satisfaction With Life Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale-8. In this sample, the psychometric properties of the PANAS were tested, and an exploratory factor analysis was performed. In the second sample of 383 subjects (60 – 99 years; M = 80.27; SD = 7.87 years), confirmatory factor analysis was executed. Results: A reduced version of PANAS was obtained, with 14 items, a two-dimensional structure, adequate internal consistency, convergent, and divergent validity for the Positive Affect/PA and Negative Affect/NA. Temporal stability (interval = 1.44 months) was equally adequate for PA and NA (p < 0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an adequate adjustment for the two-dimensional structure of PANAS-14 (AGFI = 0.91; CFI = 0.93; SRMR = 0.05; RMSEA = 0.06; PCLOSE = 0.12). Conclusion: The PANAS-14 is a brief psychometrically suitable tool for the assessment of PA and NA in institutionalized older adults supported by social institutions.