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. 2021 Feb 26;18(5):2316.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18052316.

Development of a Structured Interview to Explore Interpersonal Schema of Older Adults Living Alone Based on Autobiographical Memory

Yunna Kwan  1   2 , Sungwon Choi  2 , Tae Rim Eom  3 , Tae Hui Kim  1   4
Affiliations

Development of a Structured Interview to Explore Interpersonal Schema of Older Adults Living Alone Based on Autobiographical Memory

Yunna Kwan et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

With a growing public interest in the social health of older adults, studies focusing on social networks and interpersonal relationships of older adults are needed. The present study was conducted to develop a structured interview to evaluate the interpersonal schema based on Self-Defining Memory of older adults. First, the word cues that the older adults often report on interpersonal events were confirmed. Next, the indices and scoring rules were prepared, including Relationship frequency (RF), Conflict frequency (CF), Dominance mean (Dm), and Warmth mean (Wm). Healthy older adults living alone (mean age = 71.81, SD = 3.95) were interviewed. Finally, the correlation between each index and Short form of Korean Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex Scales (KIIP-SC) was analyzed for criterion validity. The inter-rater reliability was substantial (Kappa = 0.61~0.66). Based on the analysis of criterion validity, the indices of CF, Dm, and Wm indices showed an appropriate level of criterion validity. This study developed a structural interview based on a novel system of reporting autobiographical memory and established indices with appropriate validity to evaluate interpersonal relationships. The interview is expected to identify the characteristics of interpersonal relationships of the older adults and contribute to the establishment of the older adults' community accordingly.

Keywords: Interpersonal schema; interpersonal relationship; older adults; structured interview.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Interpersonal Circumplex Model [10,11]. Note: The interpersonal circumplex (IPC) model classified interpersonal schema and behaviors into eight octants under orthogonal two axes (Dominance and Warmth). Each octant was described as Domineering (PA), Vindictive (BC), Cold (DE), Socially avoidant (FG), Nonassertive (HI), Exploitable (JK), Overly Nurturant (LM), and Intrusive (NO) characteristics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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