| Learning Objective #1: Explain the conceptual foundation of the Continuity/Discontinuity of Self Scale | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Distinguish the factor structure among three samples for the Continuity/Discontinuity of Self Scale |
Method: The concept of Continuity and Discontinuity emerged from a phenomenological study of life following stroke. Using standard instrument construction techniques, a 45-item questionnaire was developed, with items derived directly from the transcripts. The sample size for the initial study was 55, and for the replication, it was 50. Following analysis with the sample size of 50, both samples were combined for N=105; principal components factor analysis was used for all analyses.
Findings: The results of the initial study were replicated with a 2-factor solution. For factor 1, “Discontinuity,” Cronbach's alpha was .847 and for factor 2, “Continuity,” it was .804. The combined samples (N=105), however, resulted in a 3-factor solution, with Factor 1 essentially unchanged. The initial Factor 2 now demonstrated 2 separate factors: a 5-item Continuity related to control/independence (Cronbach's alpha=.844), and a 7-item Continuity related to connections with others (Cronbach's alpha=.806).
Discussion: The initial study was robustly replicated with 50 cases. When the samples were combined, a new pattern in the “Continuity” factor was found. In the phenomenological study, Continuity was depicted as being experienced through connections with others, and a sense of control, and of independence. From this study, it appears that control and independence are aspects of the same theme, and different from Continuity experienced through connections with others. A longitudinal study of the instrument is currently in progress.