Validation of a lifestyle inventory for use with a college population

Abstract

Health psychology and health promotion are recent concepts in psychology and medicine. They are based on the idea that behavioral and psychosocial lifestyle factors contribute significantly to an individual's health status. A large body of literature compiled in the past thirty years has demonstrated the deleterious effects of such factors as smoking, alcohol use, limited exercise, and poor dietary habits. More recently, the influence of stress, depression, social support, locus of control, and self-confidence on health have been demonstrated. The need for information regarding an individual's lifestyle risk factors has also been shown, as several studies have shown that personalized feedback resulted in improved lifestyles. In order to provide such information, a comprehensive, multifactor lifestyle inventory is needed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate some aspects of the validity of The Wellness Institute Young Adult Lifestyle Inventory for use with a college population. Specifically, the validity of the depression (Moods & Feelings) and the Usual Level of Stress scales was evaluated by comparing results obtained on these scales with standard criterion measures, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. The validity of the lifestyle inventory was further evaluated by assessing the degree to which a composite of lifestyle scales correlated with criterion measures of illness. The instruments were administered to 140 undergraduate students. Results indicated a significant linear relationship between the Moods & Feelings scale and the Beck Depression Inventory and between the Usual Level of Stress Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multiple regression analysis indicated that use of a combination of lifestyle scales significantly increased statistical prediction of illness and absenteeism. Conclusions drawn from the results are that the specific scales evaluated are valid measures of the construct intended, and that the lifestyle inventory overall identifies factors associated with illness, when used with a college population.