| Sumario: | Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a 'Psychological Health Scale' for the Elderly in Taiwan and explore the results of a survey of older people related to their health issues that can be applied to community counselling, nursing homes and residential homes. In addition, using this scale, we can understand the demographic variables related to the psychological health of the elderly in Taiwan, especially as it relates to the viewpoint of life integration for the elderly; this type of study is rarely found in the literature. The scale is a tool for use with the elderly that can be used to evaluate their physical and mental functionality in order for specialists to screen them and improve ways to help them. Method First, a semi-standardized interview was carried out in groups, including six elderly people and five specialists. Qualitative analysis was used to discover categories and dimensions based upon Erikson's viewpoints inquiry1-3. The pretest scale was adjusted by ten specialists. Second, this was used to develop editions of the scale that will be called 'Psychological Health Scale for the elderly in Taiwan'. Using cluster sampling, a total of 272 older adults over 65-years-old in Kaohsiung, Taiwan participated in the survey. The norms were developed by cluster sampling on 820 participants in southern Taiwan. Third, the samples were used to test and discuss demography for the elderly in Taiwan. The information resulting from this research was statistically analyzed with SPSS and AMOS. Results & Discussion The 'Psychological Health Scale' consists of 19 items and eight factors: integrity, generation, intimacy, identity, industry, initiative, autonomy and trust. The associated factor loadings are >0.521, component reliability is >0.471 and the negative average variance extracted is -AVE>0.471. The scale provides a useful tool with practical application. Significant differences exist in different ages, education levels, religions, and objective and subjective physical health; no significant differences were observed in gender, race, marital status, spouse, children, occupation, housing, or economic resources. The Christian group scored higher in trust, autonomy, initiative and identity.
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