Factor analysis of a self-concept instrument for older adults

Abstract

In this study, 235 community residents, ranging in age from 60 to 91 yean, were administered a 31 scale semantic differential referring to the concept, “What I Really Am”. The construct validity of similar self-concept instruments has been investigated through factor analysis, but the dimensionality of such scales with a gerontological population remains unresolved and hampers related research. Therefore, a principal factor solution was conducted and four factors accounting for 48.2% of the total variance were rotated to their varimax position. The first factor, representing 30.8% of the variance, suggested an Adjustment/Esteem factor. The second, accounting for an additional 7.5% of variance, represented an Achievement/Intellectual Capacity factor. Factor III appeared as an Emotional/Physical Stability factor (5.7%) and Factor IV, a Sociability/Congeniality factor (4.8%). The last two factors were extremely suggestive of Eysenck's personality dichotomy. Thus, the measure may reflect both stable personality dimensions as well as more reactive domains.