Self-concept and functional independence in the hospitalized elderly.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of various kinds of hospitalization to self-concept and functional independence of 30 hospitalized and 10 nonhospitalized subjects older than 65. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale was used to measure self-concept, and the Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was used to measure functional independence. Self-concept scores differed among the hospitalized groups. Dependent older persons were found to have lower self-concept scores. Encouraging independence in the performance of self-care skills could diminish this problem of poor self-concept.