This study aims to evaluate the factor structure and criterion validity of the English Language Acculturation Stress (ELAS) scale in a community-based sample of elderly Russian immigrants. The sample consists of 300 Russian immigrants with an equal number of females and males, from 59 to 93 years of age (Mean = 73.26, SD = 7.271). The majority of the respondents were married (72%) at the time the interviews were conducted. On average, the respondents have lived in the U.S. for about 7 years (SD = 3.00). We performed both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to ascertain the factor structure or conceptual dimensions of the 11-item ELAS scale. The findings revealed that this 11-item scale encompasses three dimensions: Basic English skills, survival English skills, and social involvement English skills. Correlation analyses of the scale with depression, physical health status, and length of residence suggest that the ELAS has good criterion validity and potential as a screening instrument of language acculturation stress for elderly Russian immigrants. Implications for research and practice are discussed. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.

Screening Migration Distress Adjustment Health status psychometrics Depression

evaluation Russia statistical analysis Language Tests depression publication psychological aspect Data Interpretation, Statistical human Translations middle aged Stress, Psychological mental stress comparative study health status Aged language ethnology United States Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation Aged, 80 and over female questionnaire cultural factor Psychometrics psychometry Article Questionnaires migration age Age Factors Russian Federation language test