Kristen M. Strack

Bio: Kristen M. Strack is an academic researcher from VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. The author has contributed to research in topics: Empowerment & Coercion. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 120 citations. Previous affiliations of Kristen M. Strack include University of Mississippi.

The Meaning In Life Questionnaire: psychometric properties with individuals with serious mental illness in an inpatient setting.

Abstract: Objectives: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) in an inpatient setting (N = 96). The 10-item MLQ comprises Presence (perceived meaning) and Search (motivation to discover meaning) scales. Design: This study focused on the reliability and validity of the MLQ, reporting a range of data, including correlations and regression (predicting scores on a measure of psychopathology, the Brief Symptom Inventory). Results: Both MLQ scales yielded reliable scores. The current sample tended to report greater Presence, whereas Search means tended to be similar to those reported in other studies. The association between Presence and the Brief Symptom Inventory was not statistically significant. As for Search, people reporting greater motivation to discover meaning tended to report greater degrees of symptoms. The Presence and Search scales correlated at r =.12, which was unexpected given that most studies note an inverse relationship. However, this finding is considered in light of an interaction effect between Presence and Search when predicting psychological distress. Conclusions: The current findings are supportive of the MLQ's utility with individuals with SMI. Limitations and directions for research are offered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–10, 2011.

Understanding empowerment, meaning, and perceived coercion in individuals with serious mental illness.

Abstract: This study investigated the relationship among the variables of perceived coercion, psychiatric symptoms, empowerment, and meaning in an inpatient sample of individuals with serious mental illness (N=94). It was hypothesized that empowerment would be strongly related to the level of psychiatric symptoms and meaning, but not significantly related to coercion. Participants were recruited from inpatient facilities and completed the MacArthur Perceived Coercion Scale, the Empowerment Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Life Purpose Questionnaire. The results suggested that empowerment is significantly associated with the presence of meaning in one's life as well as the level of psychiatric symptoms. Coercion was not significantly related to empowerment. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Life is pretty meaningful.

Abstract: The human experience of meaning in life is widely viewed as a cornerstone of well-being and a central human motivation. Self-reports of meaning in life relate to a host of important functional outcomes. Psychologists have portrayed meaning in life as simultaneously chronically lacking in human life as well as playing an important role in survival. Examining the growing literature on meaning in life, we address the question "How meaningful is life, in general?" We review possible answers from various psychological sources, some of which anticipate that meaning in life should be low and others that it should be high. Summaries of epidemiological data and research using two self-report measures of meaning in life suggest that life is pretty meaningful. Diverse samples rate themselves significantly above the midpoint on self-reports of meaning in life. We suggest that if meaning in life plays a role in adaptation, it must be commonplace, as our analysis suggests.

The Purpose in Life Test-Short Form: Development and Psychometric Support

Abstract: This study’s purpose was to examine the psychometric properties for a brief, four-item form of the 20-item Purpose in Life test (PIL-SF). Confirmatory factor-analytic procedures were used to demonstrate how well the items (3, 4, 8, and 20) fit together. Reliability and descriptive data for the PIL-SF are provided, as well as correlations with other measures of well-being and psychological distress. Data are provided with respect to whether the four items are administered independently or within the larger parent form. The final aspect of the study evaluated whether the PIL-SF was of utility in predicting psychological distress, above and beyond other measures of meaning. This study utilized data from undergraduates (N = 298) from a medium-sized university located in the southern United States. The PIL-SF was supported via confirmatory factor analysis, the measure yields reliable scores, and these scores correlate significantly and as expected with the other measures administered. Data were similar regardless of whether items were administered independently or embedded in the 20-item PIL. Finally, hierarchical regression demonstrated that PIL-SF scores are useful in predicting psychological distress, offering a psychometric contribution beyond other measures of meaning.

Patient empowerment in long-term conditions: development and preliminary testing of a new measure

Abstract: Patient empowerment is viewed by policy makers and health care practitioners as a mechanism to help patients with long-term conditions better manage their health and achieve better outcomes. However, assessing the role of empowerment is dependent on effective measures of empowerment. Although many measures of empowerment exist, no measure has been developed specifically for patients with long-term conditions in the primary care setting. This study presents preliminary data on the development and validation of such a measure. We conducted two empirical studies. Study one was an interview study to understand empowerment from the perspective of patients living with long-term conditions. Qualitative analysis identified dimensions of empowerment, and the qualitative data were used to generate items relating to these dimensions. Study two was a cross-sectional postal study involving patients with different types of long-term conditions recruited from general practices. The survey was conducted to test and validate our new measure of empowerment. Factor analysis and regression were performed to test scale structure, internal consistency and construct validity. Sixteen predominately elderly patients with different types of long-term conditions described empowerment in terms of 5 dimensions (identity, knowledge and understanding, personal control, personal decision-making, and enabling other patients). One hundred and ninety seven survey responses were received from mainly older white females, with relatively low levels of formal education, with the majority retired from paid work. Almost half of the sample reported cardiovascular, joint or diabetes long-term conditions. Factor analysis identified a three factor solution (positive attitude and sense of control, knowledge and confidence in decision making and enabling others), although the structure lacked clarity. A total empowerment score across all items showed acceptable levels of internal consistency and relationships with other measures were generally supportive of its construct validity. Initial analyses suggest that the new empowerment measure meets basic psychometric criteria. Reasons concerning the failure to confirm the hypothesized factor structure are discussed alongside further developments of the scale.

Logotherapy for clinical practice.

Abstract: Logotherapy is based on the meaning-focused existential philosophy of Viktor E. Frankl (1905-1997). Numerous mental health professionals have been inspired by his most popular book, Man's Search for Meaning; however, many are unfamiliar with the depth of Frankl's work. The purpose of this article is to discuss the tenets of logotherapy, including fundamental concepts, applicability and techniques, roles of the therapist, and assessment tools and new research findings. Logotherapy can readily be integrated with techniques that mental health professionals frequently use, and thus it has much to offer mental health professionals regardless of their theoretical orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

A Confirmatory Factor-Analytic Evaluation of the Purpose in Life Test: Preliminary Psychometric Support for a Replicable Two-Factor Model

Abstract: This study’s purpose was to use confirmatory factor analysis to compare published factor-analytic models of the 20-item Purpose in Life test (PIL) to identify the one that provides the best fit to the data. To date many different models have been described, with limited evidence to support whether they are replicable. This study utilized data from undergraduates (N = 620) from a medium-sized university located in the southern United States. Ten different PIL models were tested, with support found for the two-factor model (exciting life, purposeful life) of Morgan and Farsides. Recommendations and implications for research are provided.