Preliminary Psychometric Evidence of an Integrated Life Autonomy and Coherence Measure (LAC-Scale) in Community-Dwelling Adults

Background: Life autonomy and coherence have been recognized as essential psychological resources that contribute to overall functioning and quality of life (QOL). However, there is a dearth of validated measures on life autonomy and coherence in the literature, especially a culturally appropriate measure in East Asian contexts (eg, Taiwan). This study provides preliminary psychometric evidence for the Life Autonomy and Coherence Scale (LAC-Scale) in community-dwelling adults. Specifically, the present study aimed to develop the LAC-Scale and evaluate its initial psychometric properties. Methods: The LAC-Scale was first developed using literature review, expert panel committee, and pilot testing; a 25-item LAC-Scale was then generated. Then, a total of 305 community-dwelling adults participated in the study (mean age = 44.47 years, SD = 18.20). The sample was predominantly female (68.20%) and highly educated, with 77.70% of participants having completed a college-level education or above. The sample consisted predominantly of highly educated adults and was primarily female. Participants completed the LAC-Scale and external measures on QOL, physical resilience, and health literacy. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to examine the factorial structure of the LAC-Scale. Internal consistency, item–total correlations, and concurrent validity (with external measures) of the LAC-Scale were evaluated as well. Results: EFA results indicated a two-factor structure comprising “Life Autonomy and Daily Coherence” and “Life Meaning and Social Connectedness”. Four items with factor loadings below 0.50 were deleted, resulting in a final 21-item scale. Both factors demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α and ω = 0.96– 0.98). Significant associations were observed between LAC-Scale scores and external measures (r=0.31 to 0.55), supporting concurrent validity. Conclusion: The present study provides preliminary psychometric evidence supporting a two-factor structure of the LAC-Scale and high internal consistency across the scale and its subscales. The LAC-Scale may help identify individuals with lower autonomy and coherence who could benefit from targeted interventions. Further confirmatory factor analysis and longitudinal validation studies are warranted. Plain Language Summary: This study developed the Life Autonomy and Coherence Scale (LAC-Scale), a tool designed to assess how individuals manage daily life demands, maintain life meaning, and stay socially connected. The scale was created through expert input (using a Delphi process) and pilot testing, and its preliminary psychometric properties were examined in a Taiwanese community sample. The findings provided preliminary support for a two-factor structure and showed excellent internal consistency. Higher LAC-Scale scores were moderately associated with better quality of life, physical resilience, and health literacy. The LAC-Scale may serve as a complementary tool in clinical and community settings to help identify individuals who may benefit from interventions targeting autonomy- and coherence-related functioning. Further confirmatory and longitudinal studies are needed to establish broader validity and clinical utility.