Life satisfaction and lifelong learning: the role of intrinsic motivation and adaptation of the MSSP lifelong learning scale

The present study aimed to analyse the relationship between life satisfaction (SWL) and lifelong learning (LLL), when mediated by intrinsic motivation (IM), in a Portuguese 55+ generation group. For this purpose, it was necessary to adapt and validate the MSSP Lifelong Learning Scale (MSSP–LLL). The investigation is quantitative in nature, with a cross-sectional temporal scope. It used a convenience (non-probabilistic) sample. The MSSP LLL results from the translation and adaptation of the WielkLLS and LLTS scales to the Portuguese population. The exploratory and confirmatory analysis reached a three-dimensional structure (composed of 13 items): motivation for learning (ML), skills development (SD) and need for new learning (NL). Study 1 - was developed with a sample of 151 participants, of which 97 (64.2%) were female, with a mean age of 62.74 years. The scale showed acceptable psychometric qualities. Study 2 - the sample consisted of 388 participants, of which 212 (54.6%) were female, presenting the sample with a mean age of 64.15 years. We conclude that intrinsic motivation (IM) has significant explanatory power as a mediating variable in the relationship between SWL and ML, SD and NL.