Development of a psychological frailty index: results from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Psychological frailty, an emerging concept, lacks a standardized definition, measuring instrument, and empirical evidence in Asian (especially Chinese) populations. An effective instrument to measure psychological frailty should be urgently developed. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and initially validate a Psychological Frailty Index (PFI) based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The study assessed the applicability of the PFI to adverse health outcomes as a secondary aim.

Results

Factor analysis of the 15-item PFI extracted four factors of psychological frailty (psychological distress, cognitive decline, physical vulnerability, and memory decline). The PFI demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.764

SUBMITTER: Zhao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11850362 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature