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Ramm M, Jedamzik J, Lenz P, Jürgens L, Heuft G, Conrad R. Older adults coping with critical life events - results of the revised demoralization scale in a representative sample of older adulthood. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1389021. [PMID: 38800056 PMCID: PMC11116776 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1389021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background High suicide rates in older adults are a relevant public health concern. Social isolation or widowhood as well as physical decline play a crucial role for suicidality in older adulthood. Previous evidence suggested that demoralization is an important risk factor for suicide. Whether demoralization is a relevant phenomenon in older adulthood which possibly could account for high suicide rates remains unclear. Methods Demoralization Scale II (DS-II) scores assessed in a survey of the German general population were investigated with respect to older adults (aged ≥ 65 years). DS-II scores were compared between older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) adulthood and between young-old (65-74y), middle-old (75-84y), and old-old (85+y) individuals. We tested the impact of sociodemographic factors on DS-II scores within older adults. Results The sample comprised N = 545 adults ≥ 65 years and N = 1922 adults < 65 years. DS-II scores increased in older compared to younger adults (F(1,2465) = 6.1; p = 0.013; d = 0.09) and further from young-old to old-old (Mdiff = 2.7; 95% CI 0.45, 5.46; p = 0.034). One-fourth of individuals ≥ 65 years and almost half of old-old individuals reported DS-II scores above the cut-off > 5. Living with a partner protected from demoralization in old-old individuals. Discussion This study provides first evidence for an increased rate of demoralization in very old adults, in particular women, which is partly related to partnership status. We suggest that demoralization is considered as a crucial entity in older adulthood which can be missed by standard psychological screenings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Ramm
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Johanna Jedamzik
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp Lenz
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Palliative Care, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lara Jürgens
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gereon Heuft
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rupert Conrad
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Carbone E, Lenti G, Sella E, Moè A, Borella E. Emotion regulation, hope, and optimism during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of age and personality. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296205. [PMID: 38166132 PMCID: PMC10760832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study examined age-related differences between young and older adults' emotion regulation, hope, and optimism 1 year after the COVID-19 outbreak. Whether personality explained such outcomes was also examined. METHOD A sample of 228 young adults and 161 older adults was interviewed in April-May 2021 to complete questionnaires assessing cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES) emotion regulation strategies use, optimism, hope (agency and pathways components), and personality traits. RESULTS Older adults reported greater CR and ES use, optimism, and hope-agency levels than young adults, whereas no age differences emerged for hope-pathway scores. Personality traits (more consistently emotional stability) contributed to explaining CR and ES use, and greater hopeful and optimistic dispositions. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm older adults' advantage in facing the emotional and psychological fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in its third wave. They also underscore the importance of considering personality to depict individual profiles prone to experiencing long-term negative emotional/psychological consequences of emergencies as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Graziana Lenti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Sella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angelica Moè
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Kero K, Podlesek A, Kavcic V. Meaning in challenging times: Sense of meaning supports wellbeing despite pandemic stresses. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2023:100226. [PMID: 37359070 PMCID: PMC10199818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created stress and trauma for many individuals. Traumatic experiences often trigger reflection on meaning in life, with subsequent growth or despair. This study evaluates the role of meaning in life in buffering stressors in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the negative effects of COVID-19 stressors (self-perceived stress, emotional state, and cognitive adaptation to stress in the pandemic) are influenced by meaning in life in the context of the early stages of the pandemic. Further, this study described differences in meaning in life observed across demographic groups. Web-based surveys were completed by 831 Slovenian participants in April of 2020. Demographic data; perceptions of stressors related to lacking necessities, movement restrictions, and concerns at home; meaning in life; perceived overall health status; anxiety; emotional state; and perceived stress were measured. A moderately strong sense of meaning in life (M = 5.0, SD = 0.74, range 1-7) was reported by participants, and meaning in life was associated with enhanced wellbeing (B = 0.06-.28, p < .01). Both direct and indirect relationships were observed between stressors and wellbeing outcomes. The indirect effects of meaning in life were especially prominent in the relationship between stressors related to lacking necessities and concerns at home and outcomes of anxiety, perceived stress, and negative emotions, contributing 13-27% of the total observed effects. Increased meaning in life was observed across older age groups (F(5, 825) = 4.8, p < .001) and for those in partnered relationships (t(829) = -3.397, p <.001). A strong sense of meaning in life was associated with improved well-being, even for individuals who experienced pandemic-related stressors. Public health initiatives and media may help improve resilience to pandemic trauma by emphasizing the collective meaning in challenging situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Kero
- Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Anja Podlesek
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Voyko Kavcic
- Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- International Institute of Applied Gerontology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Vermote B, Morbée S, Soenens B, Vansteenkiste M, Waterschoot J, Beyers W, Van der Kaap-Deeder J. How Do Late Adults Experience Meaning During the COVID-19 Lockdown? The Role of Intrinsic Goals. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2023; 24:1759-1780. [PMID: 37293323 PMCID: PMC10157136 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00657-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Late adults differ in the degree to which their mental health is impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, with interindividual differences in their capacity to mobilize coping resources playing an important role. Therefore, the search for inner sources of resilience is important to understand late adults' adaptation to this crisis. Based on Goal Content Theory, a mini-theory within the broader Self-Determination Theory, this study aimed to examine whether older adults' valuation and attainment of intrinsic goals represent such a source of resilience. Intrinsic goals would form a solid foundation to experience a sense of meaning during this crisis, which, in turn, relates to higher well-being (i.e., life satisfaction and vitality) and lower ill-being (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness). During the second month of the lockdown period in Belgium, 693 older adults (Mage = 70.06, SD = 4.48, range: 65-89 years, 62.1% female) filled out online questionnaires concerning the study variables. Structural equation modeling showed that intrinsic goal attainment and goal importance related positively to experiences of meaning in life which, in turn, were related to higher levels of well-being and lower levels of ill-being. No evidence was found for an interaction effect between intrinsic goal attainment and goal importance. Supporting late adults' pursuit and attainment of meaningful intrinsic goals relates to their well-being and may potentially strengthen their resilience in times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Vermote
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, B-9000 Belgium
| | - Sofie Morbée
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, B-9000 Belgium
| | - Bart Soenens
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, B-9000 Belgium
| | - Maarten Vansteenkiste
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, B-9000 Belgium
| | - Joachim Waterschoot
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, B-9000 Belgium
| | - Wim Beyers
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, B-9000 Belgium
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Amanzio M, Cipriani GE, Bartoli M, Canessa N, Borghesi F, Chirico A, Cipresso P. The neuropsychology of healthy aging: the positive context of the University of the Third Age during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6355. [PMID: 37076567 PMCID: PMC10115807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33513-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Older adults have been reported to have increased susceptibility to the adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as fatal outcomes, cognitive decline, and changes in physical and/or mental health. However, few studies have examined neuropsychological changes by comparing measurements before and during the pandemic in healthy older people. In addition, no longitudinal studies have examined whether older adults may have responded positively to the pandemic. We examined these issues through a 2-year neuropsychological study before and during the pandemic period. Results showed that scores before and during the pandemic were the same in memory and attention, whereas global cognitive, executive, and language functions improved. Participants also showed no longitudinal changes in depression, hypomania, and disinhibition, while apathy and, to a lesser extent, anxiety increased significantly. To examine possible signs of pandemic-related emotional (dys)regulation, subjects were shown images at follow-up that recalled the most dramatic lockdown phase while heart rate variability was recorded. Higher apathy was predicted by poorer global cognitive performance, increased anxiety, and emotional dysregulation as measured by a higher ratio of low-to-high frequency heart rate variability. Thus, preserved global cognition appears to play a protective role against the effects of pandemic-related anxiety and emotional dysregulation on apathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Amanzio
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10024, Turin, Italy.
| | | | - Massimo Bartoli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10024, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicola Canessa
- ICoN Center, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Pavia Institute, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Alice Chirico
- Department of Psychology, Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Cipresso
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10024, Turin, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, 20145, Milan, Italy
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Kwok JOT, Yan RWK, Kwok CPC, Cheng GWH, Lin C, Wong BHC, Cheng ST, Lee ATC, Lam LCW. Common mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong: Age-related differences and implications for dementia risk. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:909162. [PMID: 36186878 PMCID: PMC9515428 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.909162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a profound negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of societies and individuals worldwide. Older adults may be more vulnerable to the mental health effects of the pandemic, either directly from the infection itself or indirectly through the preventive measures. However, the existing literature on mental health in the older age groups has not been consistent so far. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD; including depression and anxiety disorders) given their association with dementia risk, and to further examine age-related differences between older (≥60 years old) and younger (18-59 years old) adult's psychological status during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey-study conducted during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. The survey was disseminated through different social media platforms to the general population and included sociodemographic questions, self-reported physical health, and previous encounter with SARS or COVID-19. CMD was the primary outcome and was assessed using the 6-item Kessler Scale. A total of 1030 adults fulfilled inclusion criteria. RESULTS The prevalence of CMD during the pandemic was 16.1%. Compared to younger adults, older adults were significantly less likely to have a CMD (unadjusted OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02-0.30, p < 0.001), with 18.1% of younger adults having CMD compared to 1.6% in the older cohort. Age differences remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic factors, physical health, and previous encounter with SARS or COVID-19 (adjusted OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.02-0.57, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION Common mental disorders are highly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, though older adults appeared to be less affected mentally. Present findings highlight the urgent need to implement measures and strategies to mitigate the mental health problems, with particular attention to the younger cohort. Given their association with higher dementia risk, early detection and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders will be of critical importance in providing some relief to the already pressurized dementia burden in the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie O T Kwok
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rachel W K Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Charlotte P C Kwok
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabriel W H Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cuichan Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brian H C Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheung Tak Cheng
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Allen T C Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Linda C W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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