Measurement and Effect Factors of Ageism in Korea

This study aims to identify and evaluate the contents of ageism and to develop instrument of ageism. Going further, it intends to utilize these measures for reviewing effect factors of ageism. The current study describes multidimensional view of ageism toward aging and the elderly. After pre-test and review of professionals, 31 items was constructed. Data were obtained from KGSS Survey of 1535 participants. The sample was randomly divided into two groups to test reliability and validity of the scale. Finally, the 23-items with seven factors were suggested, based on the internal reliability and exploratory factor analysis with the first group. Another group was conducted confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed that the final 21-item scale with seven factors had a good model fit. And it explored effect factors of ageism in Korea using 21 measures developed herein. It looked at how ageism was influenced by gender, age, family relationship, educational background, economic activity, health, region, age norm, contacts with the elderly, and degree of happiness on ageism. Women revealed stronger ageism than men, and ageism became weaker in case of better health, greater happiness, and more contact with the elderly.