Psychometric Properties of the Existential Concerns Questionnaire Among Spanish Older People

Objective Existential concerns, such as fears related to death, isolation, identity, and meaning, become particularly relevant in late life and can significantly affect mental health. This study examines the psychometric properties of the Existential Concerns Questionnaire (ECQ), a 22-item scale designed to assess existential distress, among older Spanish adults, focusing on its internal consistency, structural validity, and convergent validity. Methods Participants were 315 older Spanish adults (134 men, 42.54%, and 181 women, 57.46%), aged between 65 and 93 years ( M = 70.53, SD = 4.61). The ECQ and Spanish versions of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire presence of meaning subscale (MLQ-P), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Scales of Psychological Well-Being stress subscale (SPWB-S), and Geriactic Depression Scale-15 Items (GDS-15) were used. Confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency of the ECQ, and correlationships between the ECQ, MLQ-P, SWLS, SPWB-S, and GDS-15 were performed. Results The ECQ demonstrated good internal consistency and adequate structural validity, with strong fit indices supporting its model. Convergent validity was confirmed, as higher existential concerns were negatively correlated with life satisfaction and meaning, and positively correlated with stress and depression, suggesting that existential concerns play a critical role in the emotional well-being of older adults. Conclusion The ECQ proves to be a reliable tool for assessing existential distress in this population and can inform interventions aimed at improving their quality of life.