Predicting retirement preparation through the design of a new measure

Researchers' capacity to investigate retirement planning behaviour is impeded by the lack of rigorous measurement within the literature. For this study, a comprehensive measure based on the reflexive planning domains of public protection, self-insurance, and self-protection was developed and evaluated in a sample of 174 employees aged ≥ 45 years. Variables of gender, age, income and core self-evaluations were examined for their influence on planning effort in each of the three domains. Results indicated a clean, three-factor structure for retirement planning behaviours. All variables emerged as predictors of planning effort in one or more domains. Implications of results for future research into retirement planning and the targeting of planning interventions are discussed.