過去關於高齡者身體自我概念的研究付之闕如，本研究目的是以質性研究的方式來探索高齡者的身體自我概念，作為後續高齡者身體自我概念量化研究的基礎。研究對象包括5位高齡者，以半結構式問卷進行一對一深入訪談，之後將訪談資料結合田野札記、焦點團體座談等資料進行歸納分析，利用紮根理論途徑建構高齡者身體多面向多階層概念。本研究結果如下：高階的身體自我概念共有兩大高階主題－「身體能力」和「身體外表」；在「身體能力」下共包含5個低階主題：肌耐力、柔軟度、健康狀況、身體活動能力、獨立生活功能，而「身體外表」下則有3個低階主題：身體吸引力、體脂肪、外貌。本研究結論為高齡者身體自我概念的內涵與成年人或青少年的身體自我概念大致雷同，顯示這些主題確實是影響個體對身體自我知覺的重要因素，此外，本研究還發現一個與過去研究不同的主題－獨立生活功能，這是高齡者身體自我概念非常獨特的地方。下一階段研究將依據質的研究結果，進行量表編製和實證研究，除了檢驗高齡者身體自我概念的多面向、多階層是否存在之外，也需進一步驗證高齡者身體自我概念、身體活動與身體康寧、生活品質、主觀幸福感等等構面之間的關係，以達到最佳之健康促進成效。
Given the paucity of research concerning physical self concept in older adults, the purpose of this study was to explore the physical self concept in this age groups. This study might build a knowledge foundation about older adults' physical perceptions. Five elder subjects participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Interview transcripts, field observation notes and focus group transcripts were all integrated for reduction analysis. The grounded theory method was used to conduct the hierarchical and multi-dimensional model. The results showed that physical self in older adults can be categorized as two higher-order themes such as, physical ability and physical appearance. Physical ability comprised 5 sub-themes including muscle endurance, flexibility, health status, physical activity competence and independent living function, whereas physical appearance consisted of 3 sub-themes, including physical attractiveness, body fat and appearance. These findings demonstrate that physical self concept in older adults consisted of some themes similar to those in adults and adolescents that showing the important influence of these themes on physical self-perception. Furthermore, there was a unique theme for the elders, namely independent living function. For the future studies, it is essential to develop methodology and to conduct empirical investigations. Future research also needs to examine the relationship among physical self, physical activity, physical well-being, quality of life and subjective well-being.
