Construction and validation of a consultation expectations scale for caregivers of elderly persons

The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and construct va lidity of the Consultation Expectations Scale for caregivers of elderly per sons on the basis of Gerald Caplan's mental health consultation model. The reliability was determined by the Cronbach alpha coefficient ranging from . 89 to .95 and the item-total correlation varying between .63 and .75. The c ontent validity was demonstrated by an intra-class coefficient of .92 on al l items evaluated by the judges. The internal consistency was determined by the correlations between the global scale and the subscales ranging from . 67 to .91. The convergent validity relied on the positive and moderate corr elations between the consultation expectations on the one hand and the need for support and psychological distress on the other. This scale demonstrat ed good psychometric qualities. Its utilisation should permit the consultan ts to keep the caregivers' point of view in mind, which will enable them to become more effective in their work.