Psychometric Properties of the Wolpe-Lazarus Assertiveness Scale for Older Visually Impaired Adults

This study examined psychometric characteristics and the factorial structure of the Wolpe-Lazarus Assertiveness Questionnaire (WLAS) in 199 visually impaired older adults receiving services at four separate rehabilitation facilities. In this study, we also examined the relationship of assertiveness, depression, and social support. The WLAS has good internal reliability, and a three-factor solution accounted for 25.2% of the total variance. We found a significant negative correlation between depression and assertiveness. Further, there was a moderate positive correlation ( r =.39) between Factor II of the WLAS (general inhibition) and depression and a moderate negative correlation ( r =−.31) between general inhibition and social support. We discuss implications of these data for the rehabilitation of older visually impaired adults.