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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual and gender minorities constitute a rapidly growing part of the older adult population in the United States and may face quality of life (QOL) challenges in older adulthood. Research on quality of life among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults has increased dramatically since 2010. Common findings indicate that LGBTQ older adults face challenges related to personal experiences of discrimination, anticipated discrimination in health care settings, and lack of family support. Research designs were primarily nonprobability surveys, with a small number of qualitative designs and surveys using representative probability samples. AIM To identify and summarize research on QOL among LGBTQ older adults conducted in the United States between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2020. METHOD Four scholarly databases were searched to identify studies addressing QOL in LGBTQ older adult populations. RESULTS The database search produced a total 568 unique results. Of these, 54 research articles were identified that met all inclusion criteria for the review. Appraisal of evidence was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. CONCLUSIONS Care for mental health of LGBTQ older adults should be sensitive to issues including lifetime history of discrimination, anxiety about anticipated discrimination from health care providers, and potential lack of family support. Focus can also be given to common areas of strength, including strengthening nonfamily social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Preston
- Russell Preston, MS, RN, University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, USA
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Catlett L. Healthcare needs and assets of gender diverse older adults: A systematic integrative review. J Nurs Scholarsh 2024; 56:119-141. [PMID: 36111650 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12810] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gender diverse older adults often endure health disparities, encounter discrimination in healthcare settings, and experience lack of access to healthcare. However, members of this population also have assets that help to mitigate these healthcare challenges. A systematic integrative review was performed to synthesize recent studies of the healthcare needs and assets of gender diverse older adults living in the United States. METHODS A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted. Findings from selected studies were organized by theme and subtheme. RESULTS Thirty-five articles met inclusion criteria. Seven themes were identified: (1) Inclusivity and acceptance, (2) Antidiscrimination protections, (3) Community, (4) Care of mind, body, and spirit, (5) End of life preparations, (6) Financial security, and (7) Intersectionality. These themes were further divided into 20 healthcare needs and 9 healthcare assets. CONCLUSION The findings call for increased training for healthcare providers to provide safe, gender-inclusive care environments; policy to combat discrimination across all healthcare settings; supportive community resources and healthcare advocacy; empowerment of gender diverse older adults through acknowledgment of their healthcare assets; and more research to discern the role of intersectionality in the applicability of the identified themes to gender diverse older adults of various sociodemographic backgrounds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This review benefits clinicians by suggesting practice changes to address healthcare needs of gender diverse older adults while describing healthcare assets of this population for integration into health promotion initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Catlett
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Lo IPY, Liu EH, Lai DWL, Yan E. Reflexive Planning for Later Life: Minority Stress and Aging Challenges among Midlife Chinese Lesbians and Gay Men. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:3470-3492. [PMID: 35849423 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2095242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study examines how Chinese lesbians and gay men make sense of the prospect of growing old and plan for later life in Hong Kong, where same-sex relationships are yet to be legally recognized. Drawing on in-depth narrative interviews, the results show that lesbians and gay men in midlife reported a range of previous, current, and anticipated challenges associated with the stigma attached to homosexuality. These, in turn, shaped their ways of perceiving and planning for later life. Three forms of reflexivity in response to minority stress and the prospect of aging were identified: coping with fears of aging alone, striving for self-mastery, and planning ahead with feelings of wariness. Participants' concerns and plans around aging demonstrated differing degrees of reflexivity, through which they attempted to navigate family norms and structural constraints and find ways to accumulate resources for later life. Meanwhile, their heightened sense of uncertainty and insecurity showed that their perceptions and experiences of aging were influenced by minority stress and material, familial, and socio-political circumstances. This article builds a constructive dialogue between sexuality and aging studies by unraveling both the aging insecurity and capacities for reflexive planning among an oft-neglected group of sexual minority people in midlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Po Yee Lo
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Emma H Liu
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel W L Lai
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Elsie Yan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
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Gignac GE, Gerrans P, Andersen CB. Financial literacy mediates the effect between verbal intelligence and financial anxiety. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Cross-cultural variations in romantic and sexual attitudes and experiences among young adults in India and the USA. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03308-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Reynish T, Hoang H, Bridgman H, Nic Giolla Easpaig B. Barriers and enablers to mental health help seeking of sexual, gender, and erotic minorities: A systematic literature review. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2022.2036666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Reynish
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ha Hoang
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Heather Bridgman
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Bróna Nic Giolla Easpaig
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience & Implement Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Carvalho SA, Guiomar R. Self-Compassion and Mental Health in Sexual and Gender Minority People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. LGBT Health 2022; 9:287-302. [PMID: 35357950 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Literature shows that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are at higher risk of developing minority stress-related mental health problems. Recently, it has been suggested that promoting self-compassion through affirmative mental health care for SGM people can be beneficial. However, no systematic analysis has been published exploring the relationship between self-compassion and mental health indicators in SGM individuals. We aim to fill this gap by synthesizing and meta-analyzing studies that focus on the relationship between self-compassion and mental health in SGM people. Methods: After registering in PROSPERO (CRD42021254774), PubMed, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and Web of Knowledge were systematically searched to identify studies assessing the association between self-compassion and mental health and/or minority stress indicators in SGM individuals. All screening steps and data extraction were performed independently by the two researchers. The quality of each study was assessed with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tool, and meta-analysis was performed on R software. Results: Twenty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis, corresponding to a total of 6573 nonheterosexual and/or noncisgender participants. All meta-analytic models were significant: higher levels of self-compassion were associated with less depression, anxiety, psychological distress, suicidal ideation, internalized homophobia/transphobia, and stigma, and with more well-being, outness, and social support. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that self-compassion is significantly associated with mental health indicators in SGM people, and this relationship is especially strong with internalized homophobia/transphobia in older SGM adults, and with suicidal ideation in younger SGM individuals. Results suggest that affirmative mental health care may benefit from promoting self-compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio A Carvalho
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel Guiomar
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of protection factors regarding older adults' mental health is essential. Self-compassion, the capacity to be kind towards the self during challenging times, may be one such factor. Although still scarce, some research in this field has already been conducted with older adults. Our research question was the following: what is currently known about the role of self-compassion in the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults? OBJECTIVES To review any study designs, in any setting, where self-compassion and any indicators of psychological (mal)adjustment were assessed in participants aged ≥60 years. DESIGN A scoping review of English, Portuguese, and Spanish published and unpublished materials, using the EBSCOhost Research and PubMed databases and reference lists. Search terms included self-compassion, self compassion, older adults, elderly, seniors, and geriatrics. After screening and selection of the studies, we charted the relevant data. RESULTS Eleven published studies (2012-2018) were reviewed. Self-compassion was associated with, and a predictor of, diverse mental health indicators in older adults. Self-compassion was also associated with indicators of physical health, moderated the relationship between physical health indicators and mental health indicators, and mediated the relationship between diverse mental health indicators. Results were obtained with participants of different nationalities and age. All studies had a cross-sectional design, and most studies recruited well-functioning community residents. CONCLUSIONS Self-compassion is beneficial for the psychological adjustment of older adults and may also benefit their biological functioning. Self-compassion seems particularly relevant for those experiencing more negative life events. Studies with more robust methodologies are needed in order to replicate these findings.
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Brown L, Huffman JC, Bryant C. Self-compassionate Aging: A Systematic Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 59:e311-e324. [DOI: 10.1093/geront/gny108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objectives
There is considerable heterogeneity in experiences of aging, with some experiencing greater well-being and adapting more successfully to the challenges of aging than others. Self-compassion is a modifiable psychological skill that might help explain individual differences in well-being and adjustment in later life. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on self-compassion and well-being outcomes in studies of older adults aged 65 and older.
Research Design and Methods
This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, using databases PsycINFO, Medline, and Embase. The search term self-compassion was paired with terms relating to well-being, psychological symptoms, and adjustment. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize results on the relationship between self-compassion and four outcomes including depression, anxiety, hedonic well-being, and eudaimonic well-being.
Results
Eleven studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Meta-analysis revealed that self-compassion was associated with lower levels of depression (r = −.58, 95% CI [−.66, −.48]) and anxiety (r = −.36, 95% CI [−.60, −.07]), and higher levels of hedonic (r = .41, 95% CI [.15, .62]) and eudaimonic (r = .49, 95% CI [.41, .57]) well-being. Further, three studies found self-compassion weakened the impact of physical symptoms on well-being outcomes.
Discussion and Implications
We found preliminary evidence that self-compassion is associated with well-being outcomes in older adults, and that self-compassion may buffer the psychological sequelae of health symptoms in later life. Higher quality studies with uniform outcome measures are needed to replicate and extend these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Brown
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jeff C Huffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Christina Bryant
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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