Positive Outcome 2: The Positive Psychology Outcome Measure (PPOM)

The Positive Psychology Outcome Measure (PPOM)

The PPOM is a 16- item measure of hope and resilience developed by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the University of Nottingham. It was developed from 2014 - 2017 using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The hope subscale was adapted from the Herth Hope Index and the resilience scale was developed drawing on prominent resilience theories. People living with dementia and experts were involved at every stage of the development procedure. A paper describing the PPOM in more detail was published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 2018.

People living with dementia identified multi-dimensional hope and general resilience as important concepts that contributed to wellbeing. 

In a research project with 225 people living with dementia across the United Kingdom (UK), the PPOM had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.94) and was moderately stable over a one-week period (ICC = 0.88). The PPOM was significantly correlated with established measures of both quality of life and depression, suggesting that hope and resilience may be a protective factor in wellbeing. 

Example items

I can see positive things in difficult situations

I can give and receive care/ love

I believe that each day has potential

I am an emotionally strong person

I am able to deal with whatever happens

Obtaining a copy of the PPOM

The PPOM is free to use but we ask that you cite it appropriately in any talks or in academic journals. Further, the measure should only be used with people with dementia and it should not be proxy rated (i.e. completed by a carer or healthcare professional on behalf of someone living with dementia). To obtain a copy and scoring information, please email the corresponding author Charlotte R. Stoner with your request.