Abstract

This study was designed to provide basic data for planning nursing interventions. This was done to help them adapt effectively by examining correlations between the perceived family support and the self-esteem of the aged. The subjects for this study were the 103 aged who lived in one city located in Chonbuk. The data was collected during the period from February 20 to March 13, 1999 through an interview with a structured questionnaire. The instruments used for this study are as follows: The family support instrument was the Family Support Scale developed by Kang Hyeon-Sook(1985), used with reference to the preceding research and partially amended by the author of this study. The self-esteem instrument was the Rosenberg Scale of Self-Esteem that was translated and proof-read by Jon Byong-Je(1974) and partially amended by the author of this study. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA, the Scheff test, Pearson's Correlation Coefficients, and Stepwise Multiple Regression using the SPSS program. The results of this study are as follows: Hypothesis 1: "The higher perceived family support, the higher the self-esteem of the aged" was supported(r=.405, p<.01). Hypothesis 2: "The degree of perceived family support of the aged will differ depending on the demographic characteristics of the aged" was partially supported-religion (F=5.428, p=.000), monthly pocket money(F=2.517, p=.035), level of pocket money(F=7.016, p=.001). Hypothesis 3: "The degree of perceived self-esteem of the aged will differ depending on the demographic characteristics of the aged" was partially supported-sex(F=6.302, p=.014), religion (F=5.697, p=.019), health perception(F=5.154, p=.007). Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis indicated that the five variables-the perceived family support, sex, obligation to support one's family, health perception, and religion-were significantly predictive of the self-esteem of the aged. These five variables explained 42.3% of the variance in self-esteem. In conclusion, this study revealed that the perceived family support is an important factor related to the self-esteem of the aged. Therefore, when nurses plan the nursing of the aged they must include their family in order to increase the self-esteem.

• Keywords: Family support; Self-esteem