Self-Efficacy of Elderly People Living at Home and the Related Factors

Abstract

This study examined general self-efficacy of elderly people living at home and the related factors. The data was obtained through the questionnaire distributed to 530 (233 males, 297 females) elderly people living at home. Main findings were as follows : 1) The means and standard deviations for self-efficacy scores were 9.58±3.73 points in the elderly males and 7.82±3.65 points in the elderly females. 2) As a result of multiple regression analysis, performed to clarify the effects of 14 factors on self-efficacy of the elderly males, 3 factors such as "SDS (Self-rating Depression Scale)", "Self-esteem" and "Life satisfaction" were selected at a 5% significant level. The multiple correlation coefficient was R=0.739. Judging from each standard partial regression coefficient of the factors, lower SDS, higher self-esteem, higher life satisfaction respectively were proved to have increased self-efficacy of the male elderly people. 3) As a result of the same analysis, performed with the elderly females, 5 factors such as "Having a child (children)", "SDS", "Social support by friends", "Self-esteem" and "Life satisfaction" were selected at a 5% significant level. The multiple correlation coefficient was R=0.728. Judging from each standard partial regression coefficient of the factors, having a child (children), lower SDS, more social support by friends, higher self-esteem, higher life satisfaction respectively were proved to have increased self-efficacy of the female elderly people.