Objective: Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are argued to be an indicator of the ability to adapt to heath decline in late life. Our objective was to examine the influence of psychological resources in maintaining positive self-perceptions of aging in the face of declining health in older adults.
Methods: Time-varying change in health (medical conditions), physical functioning (ADLs), and psychological resources (expectancy of control and self-esteem) on change in SPA were examined over 16 years (5 waves) in a large representative sample (N = 1569) of older adults (65 + years at baseline) from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging.
Results: Multilevel structural equation models revealed mediating effects of psychological resources at the within-person level for the relationship between decline in ADLs and SPA. At the between-person level, the relationship between medical conditions and SPA was not mediated by psychological resources, whereas ADLs and SPA were shown to be indirectly associated through self-esteem and expectancy of control.
Conclusions: Results demonstrate that maintaining self-esteem and an expectancy of personal control can buffer the effects of declining ADLs on perceptions of aging. Findings have clinical implications regarding psychological interventions aimed at improving resilience in older adults, which may ultimately increase health outcomes and quality of life.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0027464 | DOI Listing |
Pilot Feasibility Stud
January 2025
CIDEFES Centro de Investigação em Educação Física, Desporto, Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal.
Background: Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA), cancer survivors report engagement barriers, and existing interventions often lack comprehensive solutions. Theory-based interventions using evidence-based behavior change techniques (BCTs) have been shown to be effective in promoting PA for breast cancer survivors, although their feasibility and acceptability lack evidence. The PAC-WOMAN trial is a three-arm randomized controlled trial aimed at promoting short- and long-term PA and improving the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neurol Sci
January 2025
Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Biomedical Center (BMC), LMU University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
Background: Critical life events challenge our competence to develop coping strategies. In people with multiple sclerosis (MS), the impact of genetics, disease-specific, and psychometric factors on coping strategies have not been explored to date.
Methods: In a unique cohort of 56 monozygotic twins discordant for MS, we applied comprehensive psychometric and clinical testing to measure factors influencing the psychosocial impact (including stressors and coping strategies) of a critical life event, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by the COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire, CoPaQ).
Health Promot Pract
January 2025
Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA.
This pilot, exploratory project examined the relationship among the health, work, and social support of university housekeepers. The first objective was to examine the influence of social support on work-related outcomes among university housekeepers. The secondary objective was to examine the influence of social support on physical and psychological health among housekeepers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCerebellum
January 2025
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
The cerebellum is involved in non-motor processing, supported by topographically distinct cerebellar activations and closed-loop circuits between the cerebellum and the cortex. Disruptions to cerebellar function may negatively impact prefrontal function and processing. Cerebellar resources may be important for offloading cortical processing, providing crucial scaffolding for normative performance and function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCommun Biol
January 2025
Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, University Drive Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
Prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) determines lifetime mental and physical health. Here, we show in rats that PNMS has consequences for placental function and fetal brain development across four generations (F0-F3). Using a systems biology approach, comprehensive DNA methylation (DNAm), miRNA, and mRNA profiling revealed a moderate impact of PNMS in the F1 generation, but drastic changes in F2 and F3 generations, suggesting compounding effects of PNMS with each successive generation.
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