Validation of the Korean Version of the Fraboni Ageism Scale(FSA): A Study of Korean University Students

Abstract

The present research is aimed at validation of the Korean version of Fraboni scale of ageism which was developed by Fraboni, Saltstone and Hughes(1990). To do so exploratory factor analysis with sample A and confirmatory factor analysis with sample B was conducted. As a result of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, it appeared that three factor structure consisting of Affective avoidance, Discrimination, and Stereotype. This result supported the theoretical model of ageism which emphasize multi-factor nature of affective component, cognitive component, and behavior component. Total items and subscales of the Korean version FSA has proper internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It was proved that the new three factor structure has better fit index than other structures. And it was positively correlated with attitude toward the elderly and negative ageist behaviour, negatively correlated with knowledge of aging, frequency and quality of contact with the elderly, and positive ageist behaviour, and not correlated with social desirable responses. These results suggest that Korean version of the FSA is reliable and valid instrument to measure ageism.

Ageism and the Factors Affecting Ageism among Korean Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our results showed that the quality and frequency of contact experiences with older adults were associated with ageism. This result is similar to that of a previous study, which stated that increased contact or positive contact with older adults tends to reduce ageism among university students [11]. However, the frequency of contact was an inconsistent factor of ageism.…”

“…The total score range is 18-72; the higher the total, the more ageism toward older adults. The coefficient alpha (or Cronbach's α) was 0.86 (subscales 0.65-0.77) at development [27] and 0.82 (subscales 0.60-0.84) in the Korean version [11]. This study showed a coefficient alpha value of 0.81 (subscales 0.51-0.83).…”

“…To measure ageism, we used the FSA developed by Fraboni, Saltstone, and Hughes [27] and translated into Korean by Kim et al [11]. The Korean version of this measurement consists of 18 items: 7 items for emotional avoidance, 5 items for discrimination, and 6 items for stereotypes.…”

“…According to a previous study among university students, the more negative their attitudes and behaviors toward older adults are, and the lower the frequency and quality of contact with older adults, the higher their level of ageism becomes [11]. In conditions where young people have more frequent contact or better experiences with older adults, the level of ageism tends to decrease [11]. Barnett and Adams [12] reported that the quality of contact with older adults is associated with ageism, which could be a determinant of aging anxiety.…”