The development and testing of instruments to measure concepts in the revelation readiness model of lifestyle change.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to construct and test two instruments to measure concepts in the Revelation Readiness Model of Lifestyle Change, a nursing theory generated from previous research. The Marsh Revelation Readiness Index (MRRI) referenced readiness for revelation and measured eight concepts. The Marsh Revelation Scale (MRS), referenced the revelation construct and measured three concepts. Three groups of well adults (N = 132) who were making or had made health lifestyle changes were tested. Testing consisted of completing the MRRI, and MRS and other instruments that were used in estimating validity. Reliability testing included tests of stability and internal consistency. Test-retest coefficients for the MRRI ranged from .57 to .82. Alpha coefficients ranged from .23 to .79, and theta coefficients ranged from .34 to .80. To improve consistency the MRRI was revised. Reliability testing of the revised scale, revealed test-retest coefficients of .73 to .75. Alpha coefficients of .74 and .86, and theta coefficients of .77 and .87. Reliability testing of the MRS revealed test-retest coefficients of .64 to.83, alpha coefficients of .65 to .91, and theta coefficients of .68 to .91. Criterion related validity between the MRS and the Power as Knowing Participation in Change Test was estimated with correlations ranging from .19 to .43. The MRRI and the Cantril Ladder of Life Satisfaction demonstrated convergence on the Readiness construct (r = -.44 to -.52, and r =.33). Construct validity was estimated on both instruments by factor analysis and predictive modeling. Three components of the MRRI reflected the two predicted theoretical components. Five underlying factors of the MRS indicated that the theoretical components were not explained as predicted. Failure of predictive modeling to meet theoretical expectations was discussed in relation to violation of the method's underlying assumptions.