Self-report measures of positive reappraisal with a focus on older adults : a systematic review

Positive reappraisal is a meaning-based cognitive emotion regulation strategy of identifying positive meaning within negative experiences and is particularly relevant to older adults. There is currently no single accepted self-report measure. We conducted a systematic literature review of existing positive reappraisal self-report measures. Reliability and validity information were reported for all eight measures, with most internal consistency values exceeding .60. However, there were some concerns with factor structure and content validity. After careful review, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, COPE Inventory and Illness Cognition Questionnaire appear to be the most useful and robust measures of positive reappraisal generally, and are also suitable for older adult samples. A more consistent use of measures in the literature will further positive reappraisal research.23 page(s