Development and validation of the smartphone use acceptance scale among Japanese older adults: a diagnostic tool for educational interventions

As population aging and digitalization advance, smartphones are increasingly important for older adults’ independent living and social participation, yet existing program evaluations may overlook psychological readiness for sustained use. This study developed and validated a multidimensional Smartphone Use Acceptance Scale for older adults. An online survey was conducted with 400 Japanese older adults (60–99 years) using the Japanese-language candidate scale. The sample was randomly split for exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n = 200) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 200), with CFA using diagonally weighted least squares. Analyses supported a 25-item, three-factor structure comprising Self-efficacy of Use, Emotional Acceptance, and Recognition of Benefits. Model fit was adequate (CFI = .987, RMSEA = .084), internal consistency was high (α = .925), and validity was supported by theoretically coherent associations with self-efficacy, smartphone proficiency, personality traits, and smartphone-use experience. The scale provides a psychometrically supported tool for tailoring educational interventions and evaluating pre–post changes in digital inclusion programs.