Development of a scale to measure selection, optimization, compensation (SOC) strategy in late middle-aged women: a methodological study.

Abstract

Purpose: Selection-optimization-compensation (SOC) models have been proposed and applied to various populations to examine successful aging from a multidimensional perspective. This study aimed to develop a scale to measure SOC strategy among late middle-aged women (aged 50 to 64 years) and to test its validity and reliability.

Methods: Preliminary items were developed through a literature review and interviews. Overall, 32 preliminary items were confirmed via two rounds of expert content validity analysis and a pilot survey. Data were collected from 299 late middle-aged women and analyzed using IBM SPSS/PC+ version 27.0. Construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability tests were conducted.

Results: The SOC strategy scale, reflecting the characteristics of late middle-aged women and developed through exploratory factor analysis, comprised 19 items across four factors: goal-oriented selection, compensation for loss, outcome optimization, and ability-based optimization. The scale explained 66.9% of the variance in total factors, with a Cronbach's α of .95. Statistically significant correlations with the reference scale (r=.30, p<.001) were observed.

Conclusion: The developed scale demonstrated high validity and reliability, thus representing a viable instrument for measuring SOC strategy among late middle-aged women. Using this scale to assess the use of SOC approaches in these women can improve our understanding of the aging process and help establish supportive programs for their aging journeys.