Total Formal Social Participation was measured by an additive index that compiled
the number of memberships, perceived amount of participation, the rate of attendance
of meetings and the degree of involvement for civic, religious, social and
business organizations. The scores ranged from 0 to 85 and they were coded as
follows: 0, no membership, no participation; 1, membership but no participation; 2,
1-25 (low); 3, 26-40; 4, 41+ (high). To obtain a raw score of 23, for example, an
individual would be a member of two formal organizations and attend 1-25% of the
meetings.