Psychology RootsTable of Contents
Self-Evaluation of Life Function Scale
Here in this post, we are sharing the “Self-Evaluation of Life Function Scale”. You can read psychometric and Author information. We have thousands of Scales and questionnaires in our collection (See Scales and Questionnaires). You can demand us any scale and questionnaires related to psychology through our community, and we will provide you with a short time. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
About Self-Evaluation of Life Function Scale
Scale Name
Self-Evaluation of Life Function Scale
Author Details
Margaret W. Linn and Bernard S. Linn
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Self-Evaluation of Life Function (SELF) Scale, developed by Margaret W. Linn and Bernard S. Linn in 1984, is a 54-item self-administered questionnaire designed to provide a comprehensive multidimensional assessment of physical, psychological, and social functioning in adults aged 60 years or older. Published in Journal of Gerontology (1984), the SELF was created to enable elderly individuals with at least moderate cognitive functioning (Mini-Mental State Examination score >20) to complete it themselves, addressing the need for a short tool that captures diverse functional aspects. Derived from 130 items via factor analysis, it includes six factors: Activities of Daily Living and Physical Disability (13 items), Symptoms of Aging (13 items), Self-Esteem (7 items), Social Satisfaction (6 items), Depression (11 items), and Personal Control (4 items), plus questions on diagnoses, medications, sick days, and pain over the past month, using 4-point response scales.
The SELF takes ~15 minutes to complete and was validated with 548 older adults (mean age ≈ 60–85 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based, cognitively moderate). It correlates with other functional measures and is used in geriatrics and clinical psychology to assess elderly functioning. Access requires permission from Journal of Gerontology or the authors.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the SELF from Linn and Linn (1984) or Journal of Gerontology, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults 60+ with moderate cognition) that the questionnaire evaluates life functioning, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 54-item self-report scale in clinical or community settings, with respondents rating items based on the past month using 4-point scales.
- Estimated completion time is ~15 minutes.
- Ensure a supportive environment; provide geriatric resources (e.g., counseling) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., large print, assistance) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The SELF demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties (Linn & Linn, 1984). Internal consistency is moderate to high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.70–0.85 across factors, N = 548). Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (r ≈ 0.65–0.80) based on similar scales. Inter-rater reliability is not applicable due to self-report.
Convergent validity is supported by factor analysis identifying the six dimensions, with items loading appropriately. Discriminant validity is evidenced by its ability to differentiate functional levels (e.g., ADL vs depression subscales). Construct validity is reinforced by the hierarchical structure from 130 items. The SELF reliably assesses elderly functioning. Pairing with the SF-36 or PGCMS enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
54-Items
Reference
Linn, M. W., & Linn, B. S. (1984). Self-evaluation of life function (self) scale: a short, comprehensive self-report of health for elderly adults. Journal of Gerontology, 39(5), 603-612.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SELF Scale measure?
It measures physical, psychological, and social functioning in older adults.
Who is the target population?
Adults (60+) with moderate cognitive functioning in community or clinical settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 15 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses functioning to guide geriatric care interventions.
Disclaimer
Please note that Psychology Roots does not have the right to grant permission for the use of any psychological scales or assessments listed on its website. To use any scale or assessment, you must obtain permission directly from the author or translator of the tool. Psychology Roots provides information about various tools and their administration procedures, but it is your responsibility to obtain proper permissions before using any scale or assessment. If you need further information about an author’s contact details, please submit a query to the Psychology Roots team.
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
Share With Us
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at info@psychologyroots.com. We help others on behalf of you.
