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Xu F, Zhang J, Xie S, Li Q, Long Y. The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1351953. [PMID: 38450123 PMCID: PMC10916522 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1351953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the connection between social support (SS) and successful aging (SA) in older adults residing in nursing homes, examining the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL). Additionally, this study aims to assess whether frailty moderates the mediation model. Methods A cross-sectional survey approach was employed to recruit older adults from six nursing homes in Sichuan Province between August 2022 and December 2022. Questionnaires, including the General Information Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), were administered. Data obtained from the completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and its macro program PROCESS. Results SS emerged as a noteworthy positive predictor of SA in older adults of nursing homes. MIL was identified as a partial mediator in the link between SS and SA. Furthermore, frailty attenuated the positive predictive impact of MIL on SA and moderated the latter part of the mediation model, wherein SS influences SA through MIL. The influence of MIL on SA was more pronounced in older adults with lower frailty levels in nursing homes, while it was diminished in those with higher levels of frailty. Conclusion Apart from ensuring the availability of essential medical resources in long-term care for older adults, workers in nursing homes should also recognize the significance of "spiritual aging" to cultivate a sense of MIL among older adults. Simultaneously, attention must be directed toward screening for frailty indicators in older adults. Psychological care and physical exercise programs should be intensified for older adults with a high level of frailty, aiming to decelerate the progression of frailty in nursing home residents. This approach leverages the mediating role of MIL and the moderating influence of frailty, ultimately enhancing SA and promoting healthy aging in older adults within nursing home settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xu
- Oncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- Nephrology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaoju Xie
- Oncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Oncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaoyao Long
- Oncology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
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Heinz M, Benton N, Gleissner L. Older Adults Documenting Purpose and Meaning Through Photovoice and Narratives. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1289-1299. [PMID: 36753514 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to explore how older adults perceived meaning and purpose in their lives. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants (N = 15) ranged in age from 66 to 89 years, and were asked to document purpose and meaning in their lives for 15 consecutive days by using photovoice and narrative methodologies. Latent thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. RESULTS Findings indicated 3 themes including: (1) mindful practices, (2) active participation in society with a subtheme on technology, and (3) goal-oriented mindset. Mindful practices involved spending time in nature and working to improve it and reflecting and engaging in creative endeavors to help understand the changing world. Active participation in society created feelings of usefulness and belonging among participants and ranged from taking care of and helping others to leaving a legacy. The subtheme on technology demonstrated it used to maintain social relationships, particularly during the pandemic. Examples of the goal-oriented mindset incorporated informal lifelong learning opportunities that encouraged physical and cognitive stimulation. In addition, possessions appeared to bring increased meaning and purpose to individuals who were more homebound. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Older adults identified purpose and meaning in their lives and demonstrated adaptability. For example, due to the pandemic or other personal dynamics such as declining mobility, some participants modified their activities to compensate. These findings have implications for policy and practice. Although older adults in this study demonstrated adaptability, others will need guidance and resources to successfully adapt and maintain levels of well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Heinz
- Department of Psychology, Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa, USA
| | - Nathan Benton
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Laura Gleissner
- Department of Art, Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa, USA
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Lin Z, Jiang Y. Character strengths, meaning in life, personal goal, and career adaptability among impoverished college students: A chain-mediating model. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13232. [PMID: 36785821 PMCID: PMC9918758 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Career adaptability is an important building block for career success. Research on the career adaptability of disadvantaged students is therefore essential. The study aimed to explores the impact mechanism of career adaptability among impoverished students. Methods Using the Character Strengths Questionnaire, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Personal Goal Scale and the Career Adaptability Scale, 1119 impoverished college students were surveyed. Results The results revealed that character strengths can not only positively predict career adaptability, but also indirectly affect career adaptability of impoverished students through the chain mediation meaning in life and personal goal. The results showed the mechanism of character strengths on the career adaptability among impoverished students. Conclusions Our study found that meaning in life along with personal goal can enhance the positive impact of character strengths on career adaptability. These findings have implications for the practice of career counseling for impoverished college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Lin
- College of Normal Education, Longyan University, Longyan, China,School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia,Corresponding author. College of Normal Education, Longyan University, Longyan, China.
| | - Yanqin Jiang
- College of Normal Education, Longyan University, Longyan, China
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Jiayue X, Changsheng Y, Lixin S, Xiao Y, Wenjun Z, Chuanyong L. Urban–Rural Differences in Subjective Well-Being of Older Adult Learners in China. Front Psychol 2022; 13:901969. [PMID: 35959043 PMCID: PMC9358789 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.901969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Population aging has brought great challenges to many regions throughout the world. Enhancing the sense of participation, access, and well-being of older adults is the goal of China’s aging development. This study, taking urban–rural difference as the entry point, examined the difference in subjective well-being between urban and rural older learners. A total of 2,007 older adults learners (n = 2007) aged over 50 years were recruited in Zhejiang, Anhui, and Shandong Provinces in China, including 773 rural older adults and 1,234 urban older adults. This study found that there was a significant positive correlation between senior learning and the subjective well-being of urban and rural older adult learners. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the subjective well-being of urban and rural older adult learners’ and there was also an urban–rural difference between the effects of older adult learning on the subjective well-being. Based on the above findings, this study reveals the mechanism of the impact of older adult learning on subjective well-being of urban and rural older adults and gives relevant suggestions for improving the subjective well-being of urban and rural older learners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Jiayue
- College of Teacher Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ye Changsheng
- College of Teacher Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Sun Lixin
- College of Teacher Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Sun Lixin,
| | - Yu Xiao
- College of Teacher Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Yu Xiao,
| | - Zhao Wenjun
- Institute of Elderly Education, Ningbo Open University, Ningbo, China
- Zhao Wenjun,
| | - Le Chuanyong
- College of Teacher Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Le Chuanyong,
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Yu Y. Thwarted Belongingness Hindered Successful Aging in Chinese Older Adults: Roles of Positive Mental Health and Meaning in Life. Front Psychol 2022; 13:839125. [PMID: 35282264 PMCID: PMC8907150 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.839125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging of population has brought great challenges to many regions throughout the world. It has been demonstrated that interpersonal relationship is closely related to the experiences of aging for older adults. However, it still remains unknown how and under what conditions thwarted belongingness links to successful aging. This study examined the relationship between thwarted belongingness and successful aging and tested the mediating role of positive mental health and the moderating role of meaning in life. Community-dwelling older adults (n = 339) aged 60-75 years recruited in Chongqing, China completed self-measures of thwarted belongingness, successful aging, meaning in life, and positive mental health. Correlation analyses showed that successful aging was associated with less thwarted belongingness, better positive mental health, and higher levels of meaning in life. Positive mental health was found to totally mediate the negative effect of thwarted belongingness on successful aging. Moderated mediation analyses further revealed that two components of meaning in life (present of meaning and search for meaning) attenuated the indirect effect of thwarted belongingness on successful aging via positive mental health. This study highlights the protective roles of positive mental health and meaning in life and addressed cultural aspects in the process of successful aging among Chinese older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongju Yu
- Department of Social Work, School of International Law and Sociology, Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China
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Blanco V, Salmerón M, Otero P, Vázquez FL. Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and Prevalence of Major Depression and Its Predictors in Female University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115845. [PMID: 34072413 PMCID: PMC8198394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression, anxiety and stress are increasingly concerning phenomena in our society, with serious consequences on physical and mental health. The repercussions may be particularly devastating in particular population subgroups, such as female university students. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and the prevalence of depression and associated factors, in Spanish university women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 871 students from the Santiago de Compostela University (mean age 20.7 years, SD = 2.8). Information was collected on sociodemographic and academic characteristics; symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress; diagnosis of major depression; optimism, resilience, social support, life engagement, and five personality domains, using validated instruments. Of the participants, 18.1%, 22.8% and 13.5% presented with severe/very severe levels of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. A total of 12.9% had major depression. Higher life engagement was associated with lower risk of depression (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.98), while higher levels of neuroticism (OR = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.12–1.28) and openness to experience (OR = 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02–1.14) were associated with greater risk. These findings reveal an alarming percentage of female university students who experience major depression and severe/very severe stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-881-813-744
| | - Mar Salmerón
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.S.); (F.L.V.)
| | - Patricia Otero
- Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain;
| | - Fernando L. Vázquez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.S.); (F.L.V.)
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Montoro-Rodriguez J, Hayslip B, Ramsey J, Jooste JL. The Utility of Solution-Oriented Strategies to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. J Aging Health 2021; 33:647-660. [PMID: 33780271 DOI: 10.1177/08982643211004817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention program to improve the health and social psychological outcomes for grandparents raising grandchildren using the theory of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (Baltes, P. B., & Baltes, M. M. (1990). Psychological perspectives on successful aging: The model of selective optimization with compensation. In P. B. Baltes & M. M. Baltes (Eds.), Successful aging: Perspectives from the behavioral sciences (pp. 1-34). Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511665684.003). Methods: Fifty-two grandparents were randomly assigned either to a 6-session solution-oriented goal-setting program or to a waiting list control condition who subsequently received the intervention. Results: Grandparents in the intervention group, in comparison to the waiting list control group, reduced their level of depression, improved their parental efficacy, overall psychosocial adjustment, and increased their ability to choose effective goals. For the most part, findings were replicated in the waiting list control analyses. Discussion: While these findings are consistent with previous studies using psychosocial interventions with parents and grandparent caregivers, they also provide support for strength-based proactive behavioral approaches to improve the quality of life of grandparent caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, 3404University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Ramsey
- Department of Gerontology, 14727University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Jane L Jooste
- 41618Lewisville Independent School District, Lewisville, TX, USA
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