Self-evaluation of life function (self) scale: a short, comprehensive self-report of health for elderly adults.

The development of a 54-item, multidimensional, self-report scale to measure physical, emotional, and social function is described in regard to reliability, validity, and factor structure. The scale appears to measure the following dimensions: physical disability, symptoms of aging, self-esteem, social satisfaction, depression, and personal control. The scale was derived from two studies of 826 persons age 60 and older. The scale is recommended when a comprehensive, relatively short, self-report assessment is needed for screening or research purposes.