Abstract
The paper examined the psychometric properties of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) when used with elderly groups and described gender differences in physical self and global self-esteem. A sample of 207 elderly participants (age 65-93 years, M=76.54 and SD=6.56) completed the PSPP and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale as a self-reported measure of physical self and global self-esteem during different social and cultural activities in senior daily care centres. Reliability, factor structure, hierarchical structure and criterion-related validity were assessed. Findings revealed limited gender differences for the total sample, with males expressing more positive feelings than females for physical strength (p<.05), however when analysed by age group, statistical differences were found for physical confidence (p<.05), body (p<.05) and physical self-worth (p<.05) with females reporting more positive values than males. Factor analysis results showed limited goodness-of-fit indexes for the model revealing structural problems for the use of PSPP with elderly groups. Elderly participants may perceive themselves in the physical domain using different feelings than those extensively assessed with the PSPP in younger groups highlighting the hypothetical change in self-perceptions over the lifespan.
Highlights
Aging is often associated with declines in health, with important decrease in muscle mass, strength, endurance, and a continuous decrease both in physical and cognitive function that can have significant impact on an individuals ability to perform daily life activities and independence (McAuley, Konopack, Motl, Morris, Doerksen, & Rosengren, 2006)
Descriptive values from males and females analysed by age group revealed that in the age group from 65-75 yrs. females presented higher mean score values for physical confidence, body and physical self-worth when compared with males while in the age group of 75 or more yrs. females presented higher mean score values for physical selfworth and global self-esteem than males
Results from the Multivariate Lagrange Multiplier Test (MLMT) using the present model with elderly participants indicated that the model would be improved if items were allowed to load in more than one factor
Summary
Aging is often associated with declines in health, with important decrease in muscle mass, strength, endurance, and a continuous decrease both in physical and cognitive function that can have significant impact on an individuals ability to perform daily life activities and independence (McAuley, Konopack, Motl, Morris, Doerksen, & Rosengren, 2006). The aging process leads to an important decline in functional capacity (Rickli & Jones, 2001) and in physical and social well-being with negative implications for mental health and well-being (Fox, Stathi, McKenna, & Davis, 2007). Positive self-esteem is seen as a basic feature of mental health, and as a protective factor that contributes to better health and positive social behaviour through its role as a buffer against the impact of negative influences (Mann, Hosman, Schaalma, & de Vries, 2004). Low self-esteem is often associated with poor health behaviours and mental disorders (Fox, 2000; Mann et al, 2004) such as depression (Mirabel-Sarron, Vera, & Samuel-Lajeunesse, 2001), anxiety (Silverstone, 2011), anorexia and bulimia (Button, Sonuga-Barke, Davies, & Thompson, 2011) substance abuse (Emery, McDermott, Holcomb, & Marty, 2009) and violence and high-risk behaviours (Ostrowsky, 2010)
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