Measurement of fall-related psychological constructs among independent-living older adults: A review of the research literature

Objectives: Falls and the fall-related psychological concerns associated with these events pose a serious public health problem among aging adults. The measurement of fall-related psychological concerns can serve as important endpoints for fall prevention programs, yet there is some confusion regarding the best method of defining and measuring fall-related psychological constructs. Consequently, greater attention should be devoted to investigating fall-related psychological constructs and their measurement. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to review the published research literature on the measurement of fall-related psychological constructs among independent-living older adults. Method: Electronic searches of PubMed, EBSCO, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, CINAHL and online library catalogs were conducted using search terms including but not limited to 'fear of falling', 'falls efficacy', 'fall-related self-efficacy', 'balance confidence', 'fall-related psychological outcome(s)' and 'independent-living'. Results: Each of these constructs is unique, yet instruments are often employed to measure constructs other than those the instruments were designed to assess. Inconsistencies were also revealed both within and across studies in terms of providing evidence of validity for these instruments. Conclusion: Fall-related psychological constructs, although similar in nature, are unique constructs and should be measured as such.