Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to test a conceptual model designed to promote the understanding of factors influencing subjective well-being (SWB) in old age. Within this framework, we evaluated the relative influences on elderly Israelis' SWB of health and/or function, personal resources, coping behaviors (reactive and proactive), and changes in all of these factors over time. Method: At baseline, 1216 randomly selected elderly persons (75+) were interviewed at home (T1) and 1019 one year later (T2). The conceptual model was evaluated by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis using AMOS 18. Results: After one year, a relatively high percentage of participants reported decline in health/function (DHF) and in personal resources. The effects of the study variables on T2-SWB were evaluated by a SEM analysis, resulting in a satisfying fit: χ2 = 279.5 (df = 102), p <.001, CFI =.970, NFI =.954, TLI =.955, RMSEA =.046. In addition to significant direct effects of health/function on T2-SWB, health/function was found to indirectly influence T2-SWB. Our analysis showed that health/function had a negative influence on the positive effects of personal resources (function self-efficacy, social support) and the diverse effects of the coping patterns (goal-reengagement–positive; expectations for future care needs–negative; having concrete plans for future care–positive). Conclusion: Personal resources and use of appropriate coping behaviors enable elderly people to control their well-being even in the presence of DHF. Evidence-based interventions can help older people to acquire and/or strengthen effective personal resources and coping patterns, thus, promoting their SWB.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 616-623 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Aging and Mental Health |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 3 Jun 2017 |
Keywords
- Subjective well-being
- health
- personal resources
- proactive coping
- reactive coping
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatric Mental Health
- Gerontology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Psychiatry and Mental health