Ageing and wisdom

Given the lack of instruments capable of measuring wisdom in the Portuguese adult population, this study aimed to validate the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS; Ardelt, 2003). The sample for the confirmatory factorial analysis of the factorial structure of the original version of the 3D-WS was made up of 308 subjects of both sexes (68.2% female) aged between 18 and 91 (M=49.08; SD=19.65). After analyzing the psychometric characteristics of the scale and the suitability of the factorial structure, this study presents 3D-WS-19 as a valid and reliable measurement instrument. The analysis of the internal consistency of the 3D-WS-19 indicated adequate values (Cronbach's alpha=.83). Overall, the results of this research are promising in terms of understanding and gerontological intervention in relation to the assessment of wisdom in the Portuguese adult population.