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Chen Y, Okereke OI, Kim ES, Tiemeier H, Kubzansky LD, VanderWeele TJ. Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:1030-1038. [PMID: 38959002 PMCID: PMC11223047 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Importance Supporting healthy aging is a US public health priority, and gratitude is a potentially modifiable psychological factor that may enhance health and well-being in older adults. However, the association between gratitude and mortality has not been studied. Objective To examine the association of gratitude with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in later life. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based prospective cohort study used data from self-reported questionnaires and medical records of 49 275 US older female registered nurses who participated in the Nurses' Health Study (2016 questionnaire wave to December 2019). Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of deaths by self-reported levels of gratitude at baseline. These models adjusted for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, social participation, physical health, lifestyle factors, cognitive function, and mental health. Data analysis was conducted from December 2022 to April 2024. Exposure Gratitude was assessed with the 6-item Gratitude Questionnaire, a validated and widely used measure of one's tendency to experience grateful affect. Main Outcomes and Measures Deaths were identified from the National Death Index, state statistics records, reports by next of kin, and the postal system. Causes of death were ascertained by physicians through reviewing death certificates and medical records. Results Among the 49 275 participants (all female; mean [SD] age at baseline, 79 [6.16] years), 4608 incident deaths were identified over 151 496 person-years of follow-up. Greater gratitude at baseline was associated with a lower hazard of mortality in a monotonic fashion. For instance, the highest tertile of gratitude, compared with the lowest tertile, was associated with a lower hazard of all-cause deaths (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99) after adjusting for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, social participation, religious involvement, physical health, lifestyle factors, cognitive function, and mental health. When considering cause-specific deaths, death from cardiovascular disease was inversely associated with gratitude (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73-0.995). Conclusions and Relevance This study provides the first empirical evidence suggesting that experiencing grateful affect is associated with increased longevity among older adults. The findings will need to be replicated in future studies with more representative samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Olivia I. Okereke
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric S. Kim
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura D. Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tyler J. VanderWeele
- Human Flourishing Program, Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Mansor N, Kekäläinen T, Terracciano A. Purpose in life and grip strength: An individual-participant meta-analysis of 115,972 participants from 24 countries across four continents. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01335-5. [PMID: 39354238 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01335-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This research examines the replicability and generalizability of the association between purpose in life and grip strength. An individual-participant meta-analysis of 27 samples (total N=115,972) from 24 countries that spanned four continents (Asia, Europe, North and South America) with self-reported purpose in life and dynamometer-assessed grip strength. Purpose in life was associated with stronger grip strength in every sample and aggregated in a random-effects meta-analysis (meta-analytic estimate=.06, p<.001). The association was similar across samples from different world regions and not moderated by methodological factors (e.g., scale content). The association was apparent across age, sex, race, and education and slightly stronger among males and participants with relatively less education. Every standard deviation in purpose was associated with a 23% lower likelihood of weak grip strength (meta-analytic OR=.81, 95% CI=.79-.84, p<.001) based on a standard threshold. Purpose in life is associated with grip strength, a marker of overall musculoskeletal health. The association replicates across diverse locations around the world and generalizes across sociodemographic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina R Sutin
- Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Martina Luchetti
- Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Terracciano
- Florida State University College of Medicine, 1115 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
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Zuccarella-Hackl C, Princip M, Meister-Langraf RE, Weilenmann S, Anzalone S, Sivakumar S, Jellestad L, von Känel R. Validation of the German Purpose in Life Questionnaire (PLQ) in a healthy population and patients with cardiovascular disease. J Psychosom Res 2024; 187:111928. [PMID: 39303621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
In this cross-sectional study, a German translation of the subscale "Purpose in Life" (PLQ) from the Scales of Psychological Well-being (SPWB) was validated in a representative sample of participants from healthy and cardiovascular populations. The main objectives were to assess the reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity using a large and representative sample (N = 466 healthy sample, N = 247 patients with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), N = 70 patients with a cardiovascular disease (CVD)). The findings indicated that the German PLQ is a reliable and valid measure of positive psychological well-being, showing a positive correlation with health-related quality of life, optimism, and positive affect. In turn, the PLQ score was significantly and negatively correlated with depressive symptom severity, anxiety, pessimism, and negative affect, while being distinct from these constructs. The comparability of the measurement properties of the German PLQ with the original English version further supports the validity of the translation. Additionally, the unidimensional structure of the German version mirrored that of the English PLQ. As this study used a large and representative sample, it provides the most up-to-date normative population value for the subscale of the SPWB. Moreover, this study represents the first known exploration of the questionnaire in a cardiovascular sample, revealing relationships between health-related quality of life, optimism, positive affect, and the German PLQ. However, in patients with ICD, the positive correlation between the PLQ and the physical component of the SF-12 did not reach significance. Despite these valuable findings, future research to enhance the understanding of the PLQ and its implications is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zuccarella-Hackl
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Mary Princip
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca E Meister-Langraf
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clienia Schlössli AG, Oetwil am See, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Weilenmann
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Anzalone
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sinthujan Sivakumar
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lena Jellestad
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Turi E, Schlak A, Trexler J, Courtwright S, Flandrick K, Liu J, Poghosyan L. Primary Care Organizational Support for Nurse Practitioner Practice and Emotional Health Care Delivery. J Patient Saf 2024; 20:392-396. [PMID: 38747529 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nurse practitioners (NPs) are key to delivery of primary care services. However, poor organizational support for independent NP practice, such as lack of access to clinic resources, may lead to prioritizing patient physical health over emotional health. We investigated the relationship between organizational support for independent NP practice and emotional health care delivery. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from 397 NPs in 2017. We measured organizational support for independent NP practice using the independent practice and support subscale of the NP Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire. Emotional health care delivery was measured by asking NPs how frequently they addressed emotional concerns of patients. We utilized multilevel mixed effects linear regression models, adjusting for NP and practice covariates. RESULTS Controlling for NP age, gender, marital status, race, and ethnicity, along with practice setting and size, as the independent practice and support score increased, NPs reported addressing emotional concerns of patients more frequently (beta = 0.34, 95% confidence interval = 0.02-0.66, P = 0.04). This indicates that as organizations provided more support for independent NP practice, NPs were able to more frequently address emotional concerns of patients. CONCLUSIONS Organizational support for independent NP practice is associated with addressing emotional concerns of patients. To support NP practice, primary care organizations should ensure that NPs manage patients independently and have access to ancillary staff and support for care management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amelia Schlak
- Office of Research and Development, Department of Veteran Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
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Hill PL, Olaru G, Allemand M. Examining sense of purpose and conscientiousness as unique correlates of health: A bifactor examination. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:1195-1209. [PMID: 38312017 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241226814] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Conscientiousness and sense of purpose consistently predict health, wellbeing, and health behavior. However, it remains an open question whether they are unique or overlapping predictors of health and wellbeing. The current study considered this question using the MOSAiCH study, a nationally representative sample of 2305 Swiss adults (M: 52.33 years old; SD = 17.36). Participants reported on sense of purpose and conscientiousness, in addition to multiple health, wellbeing, and health behavior indicators (e.g. dietary practices, activity engagement, health conditions, psychological concerns, and doctor visits). Results found conscientiousness and sense of purpose were moderately associated with multiple health, wellbeing, and health behavior indicators. Bifactor modeling was employed to test the incremental validity of conscientiousness and sense of purpose, when accounting for their shared variance. The specific factor for purpose predicted outcomes even when accounting for conscientiousness. However, conscientiousness had little incremental validity over the general factor.
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Lianov L. The Role of Positive Psychology in Lifestyle Medicine. Am J Lifestyle Med 2024; 18:666-670. [PMID: 39309325 PMCID: PMC11412374 DOI: 10.1177/15598276231184157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle medicine leverages six pillars-a predominantly plant-based diet, physical activity, sleep, avoiding risky substance, stress management, and social connection. Facilitating behavior change represents the crux of success with each of these pillars. Positive emotions and positive psychology constructs are shown to drive behavior change in the upward spiral theory of lifestyle change. Moreover, positive psychology interventions serve as additional, independent protective health factors. This paper offers a brief review of the empirical evidence for these roles of positive psychology and makes the case for explicitly adding positive psychology to the foundational lifestyle medicine pillars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Lianov
- Global Positive Health Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA; Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
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Keshavan MS, Hegde S, Bhargav H. Doing good well (Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action): Psychotherapeutic lessons from the East. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 101:104201. [PMID: 39241652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The tripartite classification of mental faculties into cognition, affect, and conation (motivation and action) continues to be the edifice on which the mind and the methods to address mental afflictions are studied. Eastern spiritual traditions offer insights into mental health as it pertains to each of these domains. Following up on our previous paper on the cognition path to psychotherapy (Knowing oneself, or Jnana Yoga), we herein focus on the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga). We review eastern concepts on the nature of karma and the approaches to optimal action (the will to do things, doing the right things, and doing them well). We then place these eastern insights in the context of emerging concepts in psychology on motivation and action. Current psychological concepts such as autonomy and intrinsic motivation, mastery, flow and growth mindset, higher purpose and value driven self-less action, equanimity and balance are convergent with ancient eastern concepts. We also review current neuroscientific underpinnings (such as neural circuitries, neurotransmitter systems and epigenetics and how these facilitate neural plasticity) relevant to karma, including free will, focused action, prosocial behaviors, extrinsic and intrinsic and motivation. These concepts have significant implications for psychotherapeutic models, especially in the areas of positive psychology and preventive psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matcheri S Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Shantala Hegde
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Hemant Bhargav
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Bell MJ, Ferraro KF. Volunteering and Risk of Heart Attack in Later Life: The Moderating Role of Purpose in Life? Res Aging 2024:1640275241274316. [PMID: 39212301 DOI: 10.1177/01640275241274316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: We investigate whether volunteering is associated with a reduced risk of first heart attack in later life and whether purpose in life moderates this relationship. Methods: Cox proportional hazards were used to examine seven waves of data (2006-2018) from the Health and Retirement Study-a nationally representative survey of adults 50 years and older (N = 5,079). Results: Volunteering a moderate number of hours was associated with a 46% lower risk of heart attack compared to non-volunteers. The association between high time-commitment volunteering and heart attack risk was contingent on level of purpose in life: compared to non-volunteers, people with high purpose in life who volunteered 100 + hours had the lowest risk of heart attack. Discussion: Meaningful volunteer activities may be one way for older adults to reduce their risk of heart attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory J Bell
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Kenneth F Ferraro
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Suberry A, Bodner E. Psychological Well-Being and Self-Aging Attitudes Moderate the Association between Subjective Age and Age Discrimination in the Workplace. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:742. [PMID: 39335958 PMCID: PMC11428681 DOI: 10.3390/bs14090742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Views of aging include peoples' assessment of their own aging process and their subjective age. Positive views of aging relate to a improved psychological well-being which predicts better physical and mental health. While these relationships were substantially studied, the moderating roles of self-aging attitudes and psychological well-being in the subjective age-age discrimination connection have been much less explored. The current study used a convenience sample of 568 participants (mean = 66.21y, SD = 11.95, age range 50-95), 55.8% women, 67.1% employed. In line with the hypotheses, young subjective age and psychological well-being were connected to less age discrimination in the workplace, and higher psychological well-being mitigated the subjective age-age discrimination at work connection. When the perception of old age as a period of loss was added to the model, adults who perceived old age as a period of loss and reported lower levels of psychological well-being demonstrated the strongest relationship between an increase in subjective age and an increase in age-related discrimination at work. The findings emphasize the importance of the psychological well-being of older employees as a resource for improving their attitudes towards their last years at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Suberry
- Department of Social & Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Ehud Bodner
- Department of Social & Health Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- Music Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
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Ocsovszky Z, Ehrenberger B, Berenyi B, Assabiny A, Otohal J, Martos T, Papp-Zipernovszky O, Hegedus F, Merkely B, Csabai M, Bagyura Z. Positive cardiovascular health: longitudinal investigation of sustained health behavior in a cross-lagged model. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1400849. [PMID: 39267641 PMCID: PMC11391933 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1400849] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Our study focuses on the role of psychological states in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and explores the potential of positive psychological factors in reducing CVD risk. While existing research has predominantly examined negative mental states and risk behavior, this longitudinal study takes a novel approach by investigating positive psychological wellbeing and its impact on sustained health behavior. Method The research involved participants (n = 502) with medium to high cardiovascular risk who underwent a comprehensive risk assessment in 2012, followed by written risk communication. Health behavior and psychological variables were measured in 2012 and 2019. A cross-lagged panel was employed to repeat measures of a cardiovascular health index with latent factors. Results Results indicated an excellent fit for the model (RMSEA = 0.0644, CFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.921, SRMR = 0.050), with significant associations between the observed variables (p < 0.05) and created latent factors. Furthermore, the model implied significant bivariate correlations (p < 0.05) between latent constructs of sustained health behavior and positive psychological states in 2012 and 2019. A significant regression relationship between Health Awareness Index 2012 and 2019, between Psychological wellbeing in 2012 and 2019 (B = 1.103 p = 0.038), latent factors could be identified (B = 1.103 p = 0.038) using cross-lagged panel model. Results highlighted the importance of cardiovascular health awareness, subjective risk perception, and self-directed efforts in facilitating health behavior change. Conclusion Relationships between psychological wellbeing and health awareness emphasize that positive experiences and reinforcement are crucial in sustaining optimal health behavior. Our findings offer a new perspective on cardiovascular risk screening and preventive interventions. Extending cardiovascular risk screening with psychological measures may broaden prevention opportunities by including psychological elements reinforcing positive psychological states. The findings suggest that an effective prevention program must consider stabilizing and maintaining positive psychological states to achieve lasting improvements in cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Ocsovszky
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Blanka Ehrenberger
- Doctoral School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Blanka Berenyi
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Jozsef Otohal
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamas Martos
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology Institute, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Fanni Hegedus
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bela Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marta Csabai
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Bagyura
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Dong S, Bray E, Clifton S, McCabe R, Siddall P. A qualitative exploration of the experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury participating in a community-based online intervention to support posttraumatic growth. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39164999 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2392035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To date, no evidence-based, community-based online group intervention has been designed specifically to enhance posttraumatic growth (PTG), quality of life (QoL), sense of meaning and purpose, and satisfaction with life following a spinal cord injury (SCI). This qualitative study aims to describe participants' experiences of participating in such a program. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 people with SCI and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Five major themes were identified: longing for connection; empowerment through education and participation; journeying through common experiences; connecting to the program content; and continuing to contemplate PTG and meaning and purpose. The themes represent how participants were drawn to the program because they longed to connect with others in similar situations. Participants engaged in a shared group process of learning and reflection as well as an individual journey in which they connected with different elements of the program. As a result, PTG was seen as a continuous and individual process that evolved out of shared group processes. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of addressing psychological needs alongside physical rehabilitation for individuals with SCI. Shared experiences and strength-based approaches can be valuable tools in promoting positive psychological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Dong
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Bray
- Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, Matraville, Australia
| | - Shane Clifton
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Philip Siddall
- Hammondcare, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School-Northern, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Jay EK, Moxham L, Roberts M, Yousiph T, Robson G, Lewer K, Patterson C. Contributing to 'a sense of purpose' - Evaluating consumer recovery progress after attending a therapeutic-recreation intervention programme: A quantitative analysis. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024; 70:926-932. [PMID: 38605480 PMCID: PMC11323423 DOI: 10.1177/00207640241242024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The recommended objective for mental health plans and policies is the adoption of recovery approaches to mental healthcare. Mental health recovery is no longer defined by symptom resolution but as a journey towards a meaningful life from the consumer's own perspective. Recovery approaches focus on consumers' strengths, feelings of well-being and the achievement of personal goals. Designing recovery-oriented interventions is crucial for supporting people in their personal recovery journey. AIM This study sought to evaluate how attending a recovery-oriented intervention impacts the recovery of attending people living with serious mental illness. METHODS A quasi-experimental approach was utilised to examine changes in self-reported recovery progress in a purposive sample of consumers living with enduring mental illness (N = 105). Recovery progress was evaluated via the Recovery Assessment Scale - Domains and Stages (RAS-DS). Data were collected at entry and exit to a therapeutic recreation programme grounded in principles of recovery-oriented care and social contact theory. Pre-post scores were analysed via a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (RM-MANOVA) per the four RAS-DS recovery domains. RESULTS After attending the therapeutic recreation programme, consumer recovery scores significantly increased in the functional, personal, and social recovery RAS-DS domains as measured by 'Doing Things I Value', 'Looking Forward', and 'Connecting and Belonging' (respectively). No changes were observed to consumers' clinical recovery progress, as assessed via the recovery domain 'Mastering my Illness'. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that therapeutic recreation camps can provide a recovery-based approach to mental healthcare, with positive effects on the three areas of: a purposeful life; connection and belonging; and optimism and hope. Recovery Camp has been previously identified by the Productivity Commission as having potential person-centred recovery benefits for mental health consumers. The results of this study now establish these benefits as evidence based and can be used to guide mental health practice and policy for the implementation of therapeutic recreation camps for mental health recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa-Kate Jay
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorna Moxham
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Roberts
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Taylor Yousiph
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgia Robson
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Science & Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly Lewer
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Weston SJ, Hill PL, Mroczek DK. Associations for Sense of Purpose with Smoking and Health Outcomes Among Adults with Diabetes. Int J Behav Med 2024; 31:538-548. [PMID: 37415036 PMCID: PMC11269333 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health complications from diabetes place major strain on individuals, financially and emotionally. The onset and severity of these complications are largely driven by patients' behaviors, making psychosocial factors that influence behaviors key targets for interventions. One promising factor is sense of purpose or the degree to which a person believes their life has direction. METHOD The current study investigated whether sense of purpose predicts self-rated health, cardiovascular disease, and smoking status among adults with diabetes concurrently and prospectively. Moreover, it tested whether these associations held across multiple samples and cultures. Coordinated analysis using 12 datasets cross-sectionally and eight longitudinally (total N = 7277) estimated the degree to which sense of purpose is associated with subjective health, smoking status, and cardiovascular disease among adults with diabetes. Coordinated analysis allows for greater generalizability of results across cultures, time periods, and measurement instruments. Datasets were included if they concurrently included a measure of sense of purpose and diabetes status and at least one health measure: self-rated health, current smoking status, or heart condition status. RESULTS Sense of purpose was associated with higher self-rated health, smoking status, and cardiovascular disease cross-sectionally and self-rated health prospectively. Purpose was unassociated with changes in health over time. CONCLUSION These results highlight the relationship of a key individual difference, sense of purpose, to the behaviors and outcomes of adults with diabetes. While more research is needed to determine the boundaries of this relationship, it seems sense of purpose may be considered in the future as a potential target for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Weston
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, 1451 Onyx St, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
| | - Patrick L Hill
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Daniel K Mroczek
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA
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Thoma MV, Bernays F, Fuhrer J, Höltge J, Salas Castillo AN, Rohner SL. Predicting Intraindividual Change in Satisfaction with Life During COVID-19: A Prospective Study of Swiss Older Adults with Differing Levels of Childhood Adversity. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2024; 25:73. [PMID: 39071734 PMCID: PMC11272812 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Objectives This study examined intraindividual change in satisfaction with life (SWL) in Swiss older adults before, during, and after COVID-19. It assessed whether predictors of adaptation influenced SWL stability, and whether this differed depending on adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Methods SWL was assessed eight times over a 21-month period. ACE, emotion regulation, meaning in life, and subjective socio-economic status (SES) were assessed as predictors. Data were analyzed using growth curve modeling. Results The sample consisted of two groups: A risk group (RG: n = 111, M age = 69.4 years) comprised of individuals with a high risk of having been exposed to ACE, and a (low-risk) control group (CG: n = 120, M age = 70.3 years). Intraindividual change in SWL was predicted by (presence of) meaning in life only in the RG, and by subjective SES only in the CG. Conclusion Results identified predictors of stable SWL trajectories and the potential for positive psychological functioning into later life, despite past and current prolonged adversity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-024-00791-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam V. Thoma
- Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/17, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florence Bernays
- Chair of Human Resource Management and Leadership, Institute of Business Administration, University of Zurich, Plattenstrasse 14, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joffrey Fuhrer
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jan Höltge
- University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Aileen N. Salas Castillo
- Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/17, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shauna L. Rohner
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Competence Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, 9001, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Alimujiang A, Strecher V, McLean K, Mondul AM, Pearce CL, Mukherjee B. Decomposing the association of psychosocial wellbeing with all-cause mortality: the mediating role of physical health and lifestyle factors. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02717-y. [PMID: 39044017 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study quantified the effect of 48 psychosocial constructs on all-cause mortality using data from 7,698 individuals in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. METHODS Latent class analysis was used to divide participants into mutually exclusive psychosocial wellbeing groups (good, average, or poor) which was subsequently considered as the exposure. Mediation analysis was then conducted to determine the direct effect of the psychosocial wellbeing groups and the indirect (mediating) effects of physical health (functional status and comorbid conditions) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) on overall survival. We also created a composite health index measure representing the summative effect of the mediators. RESULTS We observed a strong and statistically significant total effect (TE) between survival time and psychosocial wellbeing group (survival time ratio (SR) = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.50,2.01 when comparing good to poor). Mediation analysis revealed that the direct effect via psychosocial wellbeing group accounted for more than half of the TE (SR = 1.46, 95% CI:1.27,1.67). The composite health index measure mediated 36.2% of the TE with the natural indirect effect SR of 1.18 (95% CI:1.13,1.22). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the interconnectedness between psychosocial wellbeing and physical health and lifestyle factors on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Alimujiang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Victor Strecher
- Kumanu, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, Director for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen McLean
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, Director for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alison M Mondul
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Celeste Leigh Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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16
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Lewis NA, Hofer SM, Bennett DA, Hill PL. Sense of purpose in life and extending the cognitive healthspan: evidence from multistate survival modeling. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38963332 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2373846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Having a sense of purpose in life predicts better maintenance of cognitive function in older adulthood and reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. However, little research has examined its influence on the rate of cognitive decline and length of cognitive healthspan. This study evaluated the role of sense of purpose on the risk and timing of transitions between normal cognition, MCI, and dementia. Older adults from the Memory and Aging Project (MAP; n = 1821) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n = 10,542) were followed annually for 19 years and biennially for 12 years, respectively. Multistate survival models assessed whether sense of purpose predicted transitions across normal cognition, MCI, dementia, and death. More purposeful older adults had lower risk of developing MCI (HR = 0.82 in MAP; HR = 0.93 in HRS), higher likelihood of cognitive improvement, and longer cognitively healthy life expectancies. Results suggest sense of purpose may extend the cognitive healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Scott M Hofer
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Patrick L Hill
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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17
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Weziak-Bialowolska D, Bialowolski P. Bidirectional associations between meaning in life and the health, emotional ill-being and daily life functioning outcomes among older adults. Psychol Health 2024; 39:711-727. [PMID: 35903904 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2105842] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Meaning and purpose in life are recognised health determinants. Evidence on the factors contributing to the experience of meaning and purpose in life is limited. The bidirectional associations between the experience of meaning in life and physical health, emotional ill-being and daily life functioning from a 6-year perspective are examined. METHODS AND MEASURES Longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were analysed using generalised estimating equations. The sample included 16,361 middle-aged and older adults from 13 countries. RESULTS Living a meaningful life was found to be associated with subsequent reduced risks of depression, loneliness, limitations in activities of daily living, and heart attack (at the 6-year follow-up). It was also found that prior experience of depression, loneliness and limited activities of daily living were associated with subsequent reduced sense of meaningful life. These associations were independent of demographics, socioeconomic status, personality, prior history of diseases and lifestyle. The sensitivity analyses provided evidence for the robustness of these associations. CONCLUSIONS Evidence for health practitioners and policymakers on factors that may hamper the development and maintenance of meaningful life as well as on the role of sense of meaning in life for healthy aging was presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Weziak-Bialowolska
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Polish Institute of Advanced Studies (PIASt) of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Bialowolski
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Economics, Kozminski University, Warsaw, Poland
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18
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Sutin AR, Cajuste S, Stephan Y, Luchetti M, Kekäläinen T, Terracciano A. Purpose in life and slow walking speed: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. GeroScience 2024; 46:3377-3386. [PMID: 38270808 PMCID: PMC11009186 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01073-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The present research examines the association between purpose in life - a component of well-being defined as the feeling that one's life is goal-oriented and has direction - and slow walking speed and the risk of developing slow walking speed over time. Participants (N = 18,825) were from three established longitudinal studies of older adults. At baseline, participants reported on their purpose in life, and interviewers measured their usual walking speed. Walking speed was measured at annual or biannual follow-up waves up to 16 years later. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to summarize the estimates from the individual studies. Every standard deviation higher in purpose in life (as a continuous measure) was associated with a lower likelihood of cross-sectional slow walking speed at baseline (meta-analytic OR = .80, 95% CI = .77-.83). Among participants who did not have slow walking speed at baseline (n = 8,448), every standard deviation higher purpose in life was associated with a lower likelihood of developing slow walking speed over the up to 16 years of follow-up (meta-analytic HR = .93, 95% CI = .89-.96). Physical activity and disease burden accounted for 25% and 14% of the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations, respectively. The associations were independent of age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education and not moderated by these factors. Higher purpose in life is associated with a lower risk of slow walking speed and a lower risk of developing slow walking speed over time. Purpose in life is a psychological resource that may help to support aspects of physical function, such as walking speed, and may help support better function with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina R Sutin
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Sabrina Cajuste
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | | | - Martina Luchetti
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Tiia Kekäläinen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Mroz EL, Collette T, Keefe K, Gil H, Monin J, Sharma S. Trajectories of Purpose in Life Across Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementias in Older Adulthood. J Aging Health 2024:8982643241257559. [PMID: 38816276 DOI: 10.1177/08982643241257559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: Sense of purpose serves as a psychological resource for late-life health. Limited research has examined how purpose changes across chronic illness diagnoses, including a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).Method: This study leverages data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; N = 831) to establish trajectories of purpose across ADRD diagnosis using three-year (pre-diagnosis, year of diagnosis, post-diagnosis) timespans and two comparison groups (heart disease diagnosis, no diagnosis). Results: We observed a longitudinal decrease in purpose in the ADRD diagnosis group, t = 3.85, p = .003, d = -0.258. This contrasts with heart disease diagnosis and no diagnosis groups, where purpose did not change over time. Discussion: Older adults who receive an ADRD diagnosis may be vulnerable to a decreasing sense of purpose across their diagnosis experience. We consider social, psychological, and clinical antecedents for this trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Mroz
- Section of Geriatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tyler Collette
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Kate Keefe
- Live Well Institute, Southington, CT, USA
| | - Heidi Gil
- Live Well Institute, Southington, CT, USA
| | - Joan Monin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shubam Sharma
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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20
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Gouttefarde P, Gay E, Guyot J, Kamdem O, Socpa A, Tchundem G, Dupré C, Nkenfou C, Bongue B, Barth N, Adam S. The shifts in intergenerational relations in Cameroon and their potential impact on the health of older adults. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014678. [PMID: 38754898 PMCID: PMC11097879 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014678] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Africa is experiencing a gradual demographic shift due to rising life expectancy and increasing urbanisation. In sub-Saharan Africa, elderly individuals typically reside with their children. The rise in life expectancy by almost a decade and the prevalence of precarious living conditions raise concerns about the sustainability of the healthcare system, which has traditionally relied on intergenerational solidarity. METHODS The research aims to analyse the evolving role of older adults in Cameroonian society and to examine the potential impact of this change on intergenerational relationships and the health of older adults. A qualitative methodology was employed, using intergenerational focus groups in Cameroon. RESULTS Traditionally, older adults held a central role in knowledge transmission through discourse. However, the modernisation of society is challenging this position.The emergence of new technologies, particularly communication tools, is leading to a questioning of older adults' experiential knowledge. Societal changes are contributing to a decline in respect for older adults in discourse. Older adults deplore these societal changes and fear for their place in society while young people are questioning the central role of older people in society. DISCUSSION These changes could reduce the sense of usefulness of older people, with negative consequences for their health. Several studies have highlighted the impacts of ageism on the health of older adults in industrialised countries. However, there are little data on the impact of the marginalisation of older adults on their health in industrialising societies. Further research is needed to study the impact on the health of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Gouttefarde
- INSERM, U1059, SAINBIOSE, DVH, Lyon University, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
- Gérontopôle Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Elsa Gay
- Gérontopôle Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Saint-Etienne, France
- Jean Monnet University, PRESAGE Institut, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Jessica Guyot
- INSERM, U1059, SAINBIOSE, DVH, Lyon University, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
- Jean Monnet University, PRESAGE Institut, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Odette Kamdem
- INSERM, U1059, SAINBIOSE, DVH, Lyon University, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
- Jean Monnet University, PRESAGE Institut, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Antoine Socpa
- Anthropology department, Center for Applied Social Sciences Research and Training, Université de Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Guylène Tchundem
- Cameroonian Laboratory for Studies and Research on Contemporary Societies; Center for Applied Social Sciences Research and Training, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Caroline Dupré
- INSERM, U1059, SAINBIOSE, DVH, Lyon University, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
- Jean Monnet University, PRESAGE Institut, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Céline Nkenfou
- Systems Biology Laboratory, Chantal Biya International reference centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Biology, Higher Teachers Training College, University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Bienvenu Bongue
- INSERM, U1059, SAINBIOSE, DVH, Lyon University, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
- Jean Monnet University, PRESAGE Institut, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Nathalie Barth
- INSERM, U1059, SAINBIOSE, DVH, Lyon University, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
- Gérontopôle Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Stéphane Adam
- Psychology of Senescence Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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21
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Ge D. Relationship between the presence of meaning in life and sleep quality: A moderated chain-mediation model. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241249236. [PMID: 38725268 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241249236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep is a vital component of health; however, sleep issues are particularly prominent among college students. Identifying protective factors for sleep among college students is of paramount importance. To investigate the mechanisms behind the association between the presence of meaning in life (PML) and sleep quality, we conducted two questionnaire surveys (separated by an interval of 6 months) with 5660 college students to collect longitudinal data. The results show that PML predicted sleep quality and that this relationship was influenced by the mediating effect of depression and the chain mediating effect of coping style and depression; further, the search for meaning in life played a moderating role in the chain mediation model. This study offers new theoretical perspectives on the protective factors of sleep quality and provides empirical insights useful for improving sleep health among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Ge
- Nanjing Institute of Technology, China
- Nanjing Normal University, China
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22
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Hua Z, Ma D. Purpose in life moderates the relationship between loneliness and caregiving stress among family caregivers of people with mental health problems. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2024; 49:99-105. [PMID: 38734461 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Providing care to others can exert a profound impact on caregivers' sense of purpose or meaning in life, thereby reciprocally influencing the caregivers' overall health and well-being. This study aims to investigate whether the sense of purpose in life moderates the association between loneliness and caregiving stress among family caregivers of people with mental health problems. METHODS A sample of family caregivers of people with mental health problems (N = 468, 57.1 % female) drawn from the 2020 survey of the Caregiving in the U.S. was investigated. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a multiple regression with an interaction term were performed. RESULTS Higher levels of loneliness were associated with enhanced caregiving stress. Moreover, after demographic and care-related factors were controlled for, the association between loneliness and caregiving stress was moderated by purpose in life; namely, as the sense of purpose in life increased, so did the intensity of the relationship between loneliness and caregiving stress. CONCLUSION Reducing loneliness or strengthening the sense of purpose helps alleviate caregiving stress, and lonely family caregivers with a strong sense of purpose deserve extra attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiya Hua
- School of Government, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai 201701, China.
| | - Dandan Ma
- School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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23
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Pfund GN, Burrow AL, Hill PL. Purpose in Daily Life: Considering Within-Person Sense of Purpose Variability. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2024; 109:104473. [PMID: 38495083 PMCID: PMC10938924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2024.104473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Sense of purpose refers to the extent to which one feels that they have personally meaningful goals and directions guiding them through life. Though this construct predicts a host of benefits, little is known regarding the extent to which sense of purpose fluctuates within an individual and the affective changes tied to those fluctuations. The current study uses daily diary data to addresses this gap by exploring (1) how much sense of purpose and different components of purpose fluctuate from one day to the next, (2) the extent to which these fluctuations correlate with positive and negative affect, and (3) whether dispositional sense of purpose and age correlate with greater variability. Participants (N = 354) reported on their sense of purpose and positive and negative affect every day for 10 days. Results suggest that approximately 45-61% of the variability in sense of purpose scores occurs between-person depending on how it is assessed. Furthermore, the within-person variability in sense of purpose is more strongly correlated with changes in positive affect relative to negative affect. Finally, higher levels of dispositional sense of purpose and age do not appear to be associated with how much variability an individual experiences in their purposefulness from one day to next. The discussion focuses on what these findings mean for the trait-like nature of sense of purpose, short-term sense of purpose measurement, lifespan development, and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle N. Pfund
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University; Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Anthony L. Burrow
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University; Ithaca, NY, USA
- Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell University; Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Patrick L. Hill
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
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24
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Nair AK, Adluru N, Finley AJ, Gresham LK, Skinner SE, Alexander AL, Davidson RJ, Ryff CD, Schaefer SM. Purpose in life as a resilience factor for brain health: diffusion MRI findings from the Midlife in the U.S. study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1355998. [PMID: 38505799 PMCID: PMC10948414 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1355998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A greater sense of purpose in life is associated with several health benefits relevant for active aging, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated if purpose in life was associated with indices of brain health. Methods We examined data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Neuroscience Project. Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging data (n=138; mean age 65.2 years, age range 48-95; 80 females; 37 black, indigenous, and people of color) were used to estimate microstructural indices of brain health such as axonal density, and axonal orientation. The seven-item purpose in life scale was used. Permutation analysis of linear models was used to examine associations between purpose in life scores and the diffusion metrics in white matter and in the bilateral hippocampus, adjusting for age, sex, education, and race. Results and discussion Greater sense of purpose in life was associated with brain microstructural features consistent with better brain health. Positive associations were found in both white matter and the right hippocampus, where multiple convergent associations were detected. The hippocampus is a brain structure involved in learning and memory that is vulnerable to stress but retains the capacity to grow and adapt through old age. Our findings suggest pathways through which an enhanced sense of purpose in life may contribute to better brain health and promote healthy aging. Since purpose in life is known to decline with age, interventions and policy changes that facilitate a greater sense of purpose may extend and improve the brain health of individuals and thus improve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Nair
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nagesh Adluru
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Anna J. Finley
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Lauren K. Gresham
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sarah E. Skinner
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Andrew L. Alexander
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Richard J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Carol D. Ryff
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Stacey M. Schaefer
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Hill PL, Morstead T, Pfund GN, Burrow AL, DeLongis A, Sin NL. Examining changes in sense of purpose before, during, and after COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine 2024; 42:1087-1093. [PMID: 38246844 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.028] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Multiple studies have focused on the role of psychosocial factors as predictors of COVID-19 vaccination willingness and uptake, with less attention paid to whether vaccination itself could influence wellbeing. The current study evaluated this possibility with respect to sense of purpose, the perception one has goals and a direction in life, building on previous evidence this factor may influence vaccination willingness and decision-making. Across seven waves of monthly data from February to August 2021, participants (n = 2169, mage = 48.0 years) across Canada and the United States reported on their sense of purpose and vaccination status. Using piecewise regression models, results indicated that sense of purpose did not appear to fluctuate in the month prior to, during, or following COVID-19 vaccination. However, across most months of the survey, vaccinated participants did report greater sense of purpose relative to unvaccinated participants. These findings are discussed with respect to whether health behaviors, such as vaccination, should be viewed as behaviors indicative of leading a purposeful life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Hill
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Talia Morstead
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle N Pfund
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Anita DeLongis
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nancy L Sin
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Dominguez LJ, Veronese N, Barbagallo M. The link between spirituality and longevity. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:32. [PMID: 38341843 PMCID: PMC10859326 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02684-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
We are facing an inverted demographic pyramid with continuously growing aged populations around the world. However, the advances that prolong physical life not always contemplate its psychological and social dimensions. Longevity is a complex outcome influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, access to healthcare, socio-economic conditions, and other environmental factors. These factors have been generally considered in the compelling research that seeks the determinants of longevity, particularly those concerning personal lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, and molecular mechanisms proposed to mediate these effects. Nonetheless, fundamental aspects that can affect health and well-being, such as spirituality and religiosity, have been somehow left aside despite numerous epidemiological studies showing that higher levels of spirituality/religiosity are associated with lower risk of mortality, even after adjusting for relevant confounders. Because spirituality/religiosity are dimensions of great value for patients, overlooking them can leave them with feelings of neglect and lack of connection with the health system and with the clinicians in charge of their care. Integrating spirituality and religiosity assessment and intervention programs into clinical care can help each person obtain better and complete well-being and also allowing clinicians to achieve the highest standards of health with holistic, person-centered care. The present narrative review aims to explore the available evidence of a relationship between spirituality/religiosity and longevity and discusses the possible mechanisms that can help explain such relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Barbagallo
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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O’Súilleabháin PS, D’Arcy-Bewick S, Fredrix M, McGeehan M, Kirwan E, Willard M, Sesker AA, Sutin AR, Turiano NA. Self-Acceptance and Purpose in Life Are Mechanisms Linking Adverse Childhood Experiences to Mortality Risk. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:83-88. [PMID: 37982544 PMCID: PMC10922606 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with an increased risk of premature mortality, but it is not clear why. Individuals with ACEs tend to have lower self-acceptance and purpose in life, which may be pathways between ACEs and risk of premature mortality. As such, we tested whether purpose and self-acceptance are mechanisms that link ACEs to mortality risk. METHODS We used the Midlife in the United States Survey ( N = 6218; mean [standard deviation] = 46.89 [12.94] years) to test whether these factors were indirect pathways between ACEs and mortality hazards over 24 years of follow-up. We used a comprehensive ACE measure that included 20 possible childhood adversities including emotional and physical abuse, household instability, socioeconomic climate, and ill health. RESULTS ACEs significantly increased mortality risk (hazard ratio = 1.028, 95% confidence interval = 1.008-1.047, p = .006). Self-acceptance and purpose accounted for an estimated 15% and 4% of the ACEs-mortality relation, respectively. These effects withstood a range of adjustments and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS ACEs may affect mortality risk partially through lower self-acceptance and purpose during adulthood. Given that self-acceptance and purpose may change through intervention, these factors may be useful targets for individuals with ACEs that could lead to a longer life.
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Sesker AA, Terracciano A. Purpose in life and stress: An individual-participant meta-analysis of 16 samples. J Affect Disord 2024; 345:378-385. [PMID: 38706462 PMCID: PMC11068359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Purpose in life is a psychological resource that has been associated with better regulation of stress. The present research reports a coordinated analysis of the association between purpose in life and subjective stress and evaluates potential sociodemographic and mental health moderators of this association. Methods With individual participant data from 16 samples (total N=108,391), linear regression examined the association between purpose in life and general subjective feelings of stress, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results Greater purpose in life was associated with less subjective stress (meta-analytic estimate=-.228, 95% Confidence Interval=-.292, -.164; p<.001). Interaction terms between sociodemographic factors and purpose tested in the individual samples and synthesized with meta-analysis were not significant, which indicated that the association between purpose and stress was similar across age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education. The association was also not moderated by psychological distress. Meta-regressions further indicated that this association was generally similar across scale length, content of the purpose measure, and across samples from Eastern and Western countries. Limitations The associations reported are observational. Experimental work is needed to evaluate causality. Conclusions Purpose in life is associated with less subjective stress across populations. Less subjective stress may be one mechanism through which purpose contributes to better mental and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amanda A. Sesker
- Florida State University College of Medicine
- University of Minnesota Medical School–Duluth
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Richter CG, Li CM, Turnbull A, Haft SL, Schneider D, Luo J, Lima DP, Lin FV, Davidson RJ, Hoeft F. Brain imaging studies of emotional well-being: a scoping review. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1328523. [PMID: 38250108 PMCID: PMC10799564 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1328523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review provides an overview of previous empirical studies that used brain imaging techniques to investigate the neural correlates of emotional well-being (EWB). We compiled evidence on this topic into one accessible and usable document as a foundation for future research into the relationship between EWB and the brain. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. We located relevant articles by searching five electronic databases with 95 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. We explored EWB measures, brain imaging modalities, research designs, populations studied, and approaches that are currently in use to characterize and understand EWB across the literature. Of the key concepts related to EWB, the vast majority of studies investigated positive affect and life satisfaction, followed by sense of meaning, goal pursuit, and quality of life. The majority of studies used functional MRI, followed by EEG and event-related potential-based EEG to study the neural basis of EWB (predominantly experienced affect, affective perception, reward, and emotion regulation). It is notable that positive affect and life satisfaction have been studied significantly more often than the other three aspects of EWB (i.e., sense of meaning, goal pursuit, and quality of life). Our findings suggest that future studies should investigate EWB in more diverse samples, especially in children, individuals with clinical disorders, and individuals from various geographic locations. Future directions and theoretical implications are discussed, including the need for more longitudinal studies with ecologically valid measures that incorporate multi-level approaches allowing researchers to better investigate and evaluate the relationships among behavioral, environmental, and neural factors. Systematic review registration https://osf.io/t9cf6/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G. Richter
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Celine Mylx Li
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Adam Turnbull
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- CogT Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie L. Haft
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Deborah Schneider
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Denise Pinheiro Lima
- Intensive Care Pediatrician, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Feng Vankee Lin
- CogT Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Richard J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Fumiko Hoeft
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, CT, United States
- Brain Imaging Research Center (BIRC), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi Shinjuku Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Stephan Y, Canada B, Terracciano A. Purpose in Life and Risk of Falls: A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional and Prospective Associations. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214241236039. [PMID: 38455641 PMCID: PMC10919135 DOI: 10.1177/23337214241236039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Purpose in life is an aspect of well-being that is associated with better health outcomes in older adulthood. We examine the association between purpose in life and likelihood of a recent fall and risk of an incident fall over time. Methods: Purpose in life and falls were reported concurrently and falls were reported again up to 16 years later in four established longitudinal studies of older adults (total N = 25,418). Results: A random-effects meta-analysis of the four samples indicated that purpose was associated with a 14% lower likelihood of having fallen recently at baseline (meta-analytic OR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.84-0.92]). Among participants who reported no falls at baseline (N = 15,632), purpose was associated with a nearly 10% lower risk of an incident fall over the up to 16-year follow-up (meta-analytic HR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.90-0.94]). These associations were independent of age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education, were not moderated by these factors, and persisted controlling for physical activity and disease burden. Conclusion and Recommendations: Purpose in life is a meaningful aspect of well-being that may be useful to identify individuals at risk for falling, particularly among individuals without traditional risk factors, and be a target of intervention to reduce fall risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Luchetti
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Yannick Stephan
- Euromov, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, Occitanie, France
| | - Brice Canada
- University of Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
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Zager Kocjan G, Avsec A, Kavčič T. Feeling too low to be active: Physical inactivity mediates the relationship between mental and physical health. Soc Sci Med 2024; 341:116546. [PMID: 38169178 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116546] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is one of the most influential and pervasive risk factors for health problems. Therefore, public health experts call for interventions to promote physical activity across the lifespan. This study aimed to examine the role of mental health in physical inactivity and the subsequent role of physical activity in various aspects of physical health. METHODS Data were collected in the third wave of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) in Slovenia. A nationally representative sample of 9,900 people (49.6% male) aged 15 years or more (M = 49.2; SD = 18.9 years) provided self-reports on depression (PHQ-8), subjective well-being (MHC-SF), physical (in)activity, bodily pain, long-standing activity limitations, their general health status, and possible chronic diseases. RESULTS The results of a path analysis showed that depression had a positive effect and well-being had a negative effect on physical inactivity, which in turn contributed to the likelihood of severe bodily pain, activity limitations, poor self-rated health, and multimorbidity. Depression and well-being contributed to health-related outcomes directly and indirectly through physical inactivity. LIMITATIONS Because of the cross-sectional design, this study is limited in its ability to draw causal conclusions. All health data were self-reported. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that high levels of depression and low levels of subjective well-being may be an early warning sign of physical health problems. Interventions aimed at preventing or reducing mental health problems and promoting positive mental health may benefit not only mental health per se, but also prevent physical inactivity and, consequently, physical health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tina Kavčič
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Boreham ID, Schutte NS. The relationship between purpose in life and depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2736-2767. [PMID: 37572371 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose in life consists of having a sense of meaning and purpose regarding one's activities as well as an overall sense that life is meaningful. This study reports a comprehensive assessment of the relationship of purpose in life with depression and anxiety. A meta-analysis (total n = 66,468, total k = 99) investigated the association of purpose in life with depression and anxiety. Across samples, greater purpose in life was significantly associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. The mean weighted effect size between purpose in life and depression was r = -0.49, [95% confidence intervals, CIs: -0.52, -0.45], p < 0.001. For the purpose in life and anxiety the mean weighted effect size was r = -0.36, [95% CIs: -0.40, -0.32], p < 0.001. The association of purpose in life with mental health was stronger for clinical populations, especially with regard to the relationship with anxiety. Both approach deficits and avoidance motivation are argued to play a role in the relationship between purpose and psychopathology, with greater purpose potentially limiting avoidance tendencies and reducing the effects of depression and anxiety. Understanding the role that purpose in life may play in depression and anxiety could help to inform current conceptualizations of these disorders and improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Boreham
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Nicola S Schutte
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
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Ryff CD. Contributions of Eudaimonic Well-Being to Mental Health Practice. MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION 2023; 27:276-293. [PMID: 38188969 PMCID: PMC10769108 DOI: 10.1108/mhsi-12-2022-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Synergies between a eudaimonic model of psychological well-being (Ryff, 1989) and mental health practice are examined. The model grew out of clinical, developmental, existential, and humanistic perspectives that emphasized psychological strengths and capacities, in contrast to the focus on emotional distress and dysfunction in clinical psychology. Design/Approach Conceptual foundations of the eudaimonic approach are described, along with the six components positive functioning that are used to measure well-being. These qualities may be important in facilitating the recovery experiences, which are of interest in Mental Health and Social Inclusion. Findings Four categories of empirical evidence about eudaimonia are reviewed: (1) how it changes with aging, (2) how it matters for health, (3) what are its biological and neurological underpinnings, and (4) whether it can be promoted. Major contemporary forces against eudaimonia are also considered, including ever-widening inequality, the enduring pandemic, and world-wide strife. In contrast, encounters with the arts and nature are put forth as forces for eudaimonia. The relevance of these ideas for mental health research and practice is considered. Originality Mental health is often defined as the absence of mental illness. The novelty of the eudaimonic approach is to define mental health as the presence of well-being, assessed with different components of positive functioning. Practical Implications Enormous suffering defines our contemporary world. Such realities call for greater attention to factors that undermine as well as nurture the realization of human potential, the core of eudaimonic well-being.
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Berkowitz L, Mateo C, Salazar C, Samith B, Sara D, Pinto V, Martínez X, Calzada M, von Schultzendorff A, Pedrals N, Bitran M, Echeverría G, Ruini C, Ryff C, Rigotti A. Healthy Eating as Potential Mediator of Inverse Association between Purpose in Life and Waist Circumference: Emerging Evidence from US and Chilean Cohorts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7099. [PMID: 38063529 PMCID: PMC10705882 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
High sense of purpose in life, a fundamental domain of eudaimonic well-being, has been consistently associated with lower risk for various obesity-related chronic diseases. Although this psychological feature correlates with some health behaviors as potential mediators, its association with healthy eating remains less explored. In addition, studies of these psycho-behavioral and health relationships in the South American population are lacking. This research sought to assess: (1) the cross-sectional association between self-reported purpose in life and overall healthy eating patterns, and (2) healthy food intake as a potential mediator of the inverse relationship between purpose in life and waist circumference. Data collected of 2060 US adults from the MIDUS study (5 ± 12 years, 55% women, mostly white people, and 42.5% obese) and 223 Chilean adults from the CHILEMED study (46.6 ± 9 years, 58.3% women, and 71.3% obese) were used. Anthropometric and sociodemographic variables were collected. Sense of purpose was assessed using the purpose in life subscale of the Ryff's psychological well-being questionnaire. Diet quality was evaluated using healthy eating or low-fat diet indexes, according to extant food intake data in each cohort. The relationship between these variables was estimated by bivariate and multivariate linear regressions with appropriate adjustments. To establish whether a better diet quality could mediate a link of purpose in life and improved nutritional status (assessed by waist circumference), the association between these three variables was tested by bootstrapping-based mediation analysis. Our results show significant associations of sense of purpose with healthy eating and low-fat dietary patterns in both US and Chilean cohorts, respectively, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. According to the mediation analysis, the relationship between sense of purpose and waist circumference, as an indicator of abdominal obesity, appears to be partially mediated by healthier food intake in both samples. In conclusion, our findings suggest a plausible mechanism underlying the favorable impact of this well-being dimension on physical health. Given its protective effects, interventions aimed at increasing purpose in life may facilitate adherence to better dietary patterns, which, in turn, will reduce the risk for obesity-related chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loni Berkowitz
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (L.B.); (B.S.); (M.C.); (N.P.); (G.E.)
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Camila Mateo
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Cristian Salazar
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Bárbara Samith
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (L.B.); (B.S.); (M.C.); (N.P.); (G.E.)
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Daniela Sara
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Victoria Pinto
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética and Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Ximena Martínez
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mariana Calzada
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (L.B.); (B.S.); (M.C.); (N.P.); (G.E.)
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea von Schultzendorff
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Nuria Pedrals
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (L.B.); (B.S.); (M.C.); (N.P.); (G.E.)
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Marcela Bitran
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Guadalupe Echeverría
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (L.B.); (B.S.); (M.C.); (N.P.); (G.E.)
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Chiara Ruini
- Department for Life Qualities Studies, University of Bologna, 40126 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Carol Ryff
- Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715-1149, USA;
| | - Attilio Rigotti
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (L.B.); (B.S.); (M.C.); (N.P.); (G.E.)
- Centro de Nutrición Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (C.M.); (C.S.); (D.S.); (V.P.); (X.M.); (A.v.S.); (M.B.)
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Sánchez-Alcalá M, Aibar-Almazán A, Afanador-Restrepo DF, Carcelén-Fraile MDC, Achalandabaso-Ochoa A, Castellote-Caballero Y, Hita-Contreras F. The Impact of Rhythmic Physical Activity on Mental Health and Quality of Life in Older Adults with and without Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7084. [PMID: 38002696 PMCID: PMC10672098 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Nowadays, it is essential to implement new non-pharmacological strategies, such as rhythmic physical activity, to improve mental health and quality of life in both individuals experiencing normal brain aging and those with cognitive impairment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the effects of rhythmic physical activity interventions on mental health and quality of life in older adults, with or without mild cognitive impairment; (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis, searching the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Plus databases using specific keywords. We selected studies that included rhythmic physical activity as the primary intervention for patients aged 65 and above, with or without cognitive impairment. We assessed the methodological quality of the articles using the PEDro scale; (3) Results: Out of 961 identified studies, we included 11 in this review, all of which employed rhythmic physical activity as an intervention. The selected studies consistently measured depression, anxiety, and quality of life; (4) Conclusions: This review demonstrates that rhythmic physical activity can effectively improve depression, anxiety, and quality of life in older adults, whether or not they have mild cognitive impairment. However, it is worth noting that while we have identified beneficial outcomes, the evidence supporting the use of rhythmic physical activity in enhancing depression, anxiety, and quality of life in older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment remains somewhat limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelina Sánchez-Alcalá
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain (A.A.-O.); (Y.C.-C.)
| | - Agustín Aibar-Almazán
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain (A.A.-O.); (Y.C.-C.)
| | | | - María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile
- Department of Education and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Atlántico Medio, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain (A.A.-O.); (Y.C.-C.)
| | - Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain (A.A.-O.); (Y.C.-C.)
| | - Fidel Hita-Contreras
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain (A.A.-O.); (Y.C.-C.)
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Neller SA, Cloyes KG, Edelman LS, Wong B, Baines B, Towsley GL. Preparing for the Future While Living in the Present: Older Adults' Experiences Creating a Legacy of Values. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1488-1496. [PMID: 36842069 PMCID: PMC10581374 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A legacy of values (e.g., legacy letter) is a nonlegal way to intentionally communicate intangible assets (e.g., values, life lessons, and emotional and supportive instruction) with others. There is scant research on legacy creation outside of a palliative care context, and no studies have explored the experiences of community-dwelling older adults creating a legacy of values. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS As part of an exploratory sequential mixed methods study, we conducted semistructured interviews with older adults (N = 16) who had previously created a legacy of values. We analyzed transcribed interviews using an interpretive descriptive approach. We iteratively coded interviews deductively with sensitizing concepts identified in the literature (existential well-being, end-of-life preparation and completion, generativity, and resilience), and inductively, based on participants' descriptions. Codes were categorized by patterns of motivations, content, outcomes, and meaning, and thematically summarized. RESULTS We conceptualized the overall experience of creating a legacy of values as Preparing for the Future While Living in the Present and identified 4 themes: Preserving the Intangible for You and for Me, Sharing What I Want You to Know, Obtaining Peace through Reflection and Preparation, and Living into a Continuing Legacy. Participants attained peace, realized their life was not complete, and were challenged to live intentionally through legacy creation. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Creating a legacy of values may concurrently prepare older adults for the end of life and the remainder of life. These findings offer insight into a generative act that can promote intentional living among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Neller
- College of Nursing, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kristin G Cloyes
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Linda S Edelman
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Bob Wong
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Barry Baines
- Hennepin Health Care Hospice of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gail L Towsley
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Randall N, Kamino W, Joshi S, Chen WC, Hsu LJ, Tsui KM, Šabanović S. Understanding the Connection Among Ikigai, Well-Being, and Home Robot Acceptance in Japanese Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e45442. [PMID: 37792460 PMCID: PMC10585446 DOI: 10.2196/45442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ikigai (meaning or purpose in life) is a concept understood by most older adults in Japan. The term has also garnered international attention, with recent academic attempts to map it to concepts in the Western well-being literature. In addition, efforts to use social and home robots to increase well-being have grown; however, they have mostly focused on hedonic well-being (eg, increasing happiness and decreasing loneliness) rather than eudaimonic well-being (eg, fostering meaning or purpose in life). OBJECTIVE First, we explored how Japanese older adults experience ikigai and relate these to concepts in the Western well-being literature. Second, we investigated how a home robot meant to promote ikigai is perceived by older adults. METHODS We used a mixed methods research design-including 20 interviews with older adults, a survey of 50 older adults, and 10 interviews with family caregivers. For interviews, we asked questions about older adults' sources of ikigai, happiness, and social support, along with their perception of the robot (QT). For surveys, a number of well-being scales were used, including 2 ikigai scales-ikigai-9 and K-1-and 6 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales, measuring meaning and purpose, positive affect, satisfaction with participation in social roles, satisfaction with participation in discretionary social activities, companionship, and emotional support. Questions related to the perception and desired adoption of the robot and older adults' health status were also included. RESULTS Our results suggest that health is older adults' most common source of ikigai. Additionally, although self-rated health correlated moderately with ikigai and other well-being measures, reported physical limitation did not. As opposed to social roles (work and family), we found that ikigai is more strongly related to satisfaction with discretionary social activities (leisure, hobbies, and friends) for older adults. Moreover, we found that older adults' sources of ikigai included the eudaimonic aspects of vitality, positive relations with others, contribution, accomplishment, purpose, and personal growth, with the first 3 being most common, and the hedonic aspects of positive affect, life satisfaction, and lack of negative affect, with the first 2 being most common. However, the concept of ikigai was most related to eudaimonic well-being, specifically meaning in life, along the dimension of significance. Finally, we found that Japanese older adults have high expectations of a home robot for well-being, mentioning that it should support them in a multitude of ways before they would likely adopt it. However, we report that those with the highest levels of meaning, and satisfaction with their leisure life and friendships, may be most likely to adopt it. CONCLUSIONS We outline several ways to improve the robot to increase its acceptance, such as improving its voice, adding functional features, and designing it to support multiple aspects of well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Randall
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Waki Kamino
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Swapna Joshi
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Wei-Chu Chen
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Long-Jing Hsu
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Katherine M Tsui
- Robotics User Experience and Industrial Design, Toyota Research Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Selma Šabanović
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Berman DS. Making fair comparisons: The potency and necessity of combining myocardial perfusion imaging and CAC scanning. J Nucl Cardiol 2023; 30:1751-1755. [PMID: 37624563 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-023-03362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Berman
- Departments of Imaging and Medicine and Burns and Allen Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Departments of Imaging and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Abshire Saylor M, Clair CA, Curriero S, DeGroot L, Nelson K, Pavlovic N, Taylor J, Gallo JJ, Szanton S. Analysis of action planning, achievement and life purpose statements in an intervention to support caregivers of persons with heart failure. Heart Lung 2023; 61:8-15. [PMID: 37059045 PMCID: PMC10524347 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of persons living with heart failure (HF) experience uncertainty related to heart failure trajectory and caregiving demands. Caregiver Support is a nurse-led intervention consisting of a well-being assessment, development of a life purpose statement, and action planning related to self-care and support for caregivers. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to describe the caregivers' action plans, action plan achievement and life purpose statements. METHODS We used inductive content analysis to code life purpose statements and action plans by 2 coders. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the average number of action plans set per caregiver, the average number of themes coded per action plan and life purpose statement, and the status of goal achievement (i.e., by thematic domain, subdomains). Goal achievement was defined categorically: Achieved, not achieved, and not assessed. The achievement rate was calculated as the proportion of achieved action plans out of the total number of assessed action plans. RESULTS The sample (n = 22) was predominantly women, spousal caregivers, and an average age of 62±14.2 years. Thirty-six percent of caregivers were Black and 41% reported financial strain. Action plans comprised five categories: personal health and well-being, social support, home environment, instrumental support and other. The most common topics of life purpose statements were faith and self-care/actualization. Of 85 action plans, 69 were assessed and 66.7% were achieved. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the diversity of values and needs of caregivers and provides insights for additional person-centered support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine A Clair
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
| | - Samantha Curriero
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Lyndsay DeGroot
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Katie Nelson
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Noelle Pavlovic
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Janiece Taylor
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Joseph J Gallo
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
| | - Sarah Szanton
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
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Anderson AJ, Jones KV, Melton TN, Keller TE, DuBois DL. Identifying predictors of psychological well-being among volunteer mentors in Big Brothers Big Sisters. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:2802-2827. [PMID: 37459294 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) facilitates mentoring relationships between youth and volunteer mentors. Although research has examined outcomes for youth in BBBS, relatively less investigation has been undertaken for volunteer outcomes. This study explored factors associated with changes in psychological well-being among BBBS volunteer mentors. Participants included 593 mentors (Mage = 31) surveyed at study baseline and 15-month follow-up. A classification and regression decision tree approach was used to predict residualized change in psychological well-being from study baseline with match length included as the first split variable, and demographic, individual, and relationship variables included as candidate predictors. Analyses indicated that mentors with longer relationships (>4.5 months) reported more positive change in psychological well-being compared with mentors with shorter relationships. Perceived quality of program supervision was a further predictor within both groups of volunteers. Findings suggest that longer relationships and greater program support may contribute to mentor well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Anderson
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Kristian V Jones
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Theresa N Melton
- College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas E Keller
- School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David L DuBois
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Miller SE, Hong JH, Almeida DM. Sense of control and likelihood of prescription drug misuse 10-years later among middle-aged and older adults. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2070-2077. [PMID: 36636788 PMCID: PMC10336171 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2165623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Sense of control (i.e. one's beliefs about their ability to influence life circumstances) has been linked to various psychological outcomes. However, it is unknown if sense of control is protective against prescription drug misuse (PDM). The present study sought to evaluate if sense of control is associated with reduced odds of PDM 9 to 10 years later among a sample of middle-aged and older adults.Methods: Data were evaluated from participants (M = 54 years, SD = 10.86; N = 2,108) of the second and third waves of the Midlife in the United States study. Logistic regression models were used to assess whether baseline sense of control (Wave 2) predicted odds of PDM 9 to 10 years later (Wave 3).Results: Findings revealed that greater sense of control at baseline was related to reduced odds of subsequent PDM (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.95), adjusting for baseline PDM, sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, psychological factors, number of prescription medications, and health. When assessing the subscales of sense of control separately, constraints (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.42), but not mastery (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.12), was predictive of odds of subsequent PDM. Further, being female was associated with greater odds of PDM (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.09), but did not moderate the association between sense of control and PDM.Conclusions: Sense of control may be a novel and viable target for interventions (e.g. using mobile phone apps) aimed at mitigating prescription drug misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Miller
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Joanna H. Hong
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - David M. Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University
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Saketkoo LA, Russell AM, Patterson KC, Obi ON, Drent M. Sarcoidosis and frailty: recognizing factors that foster holistic resilience. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2023:00063198-990000000-00099. [PMID: 37522560 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sarcoidosis is a multiorgan system disease exerting significant impact on biophysical, social, psychological and emotional well-being. Mortality and disability correlate to accessible, timely, expert care for sarcoidosis and its related complications. Across health conditions, positive healthcare interactions and interventions can rehabilitate unfavourable factors tied to concepts of 'frailty'. Here, we set out to introduce concepts related to frailty and their impact in the context of sarcoidosis. RECENT FINDINGS Studies examining frailty across other multiorgan and single organ-based diseases that mirror organ involvement in sarcoidosis demonstrate findings that bear relevance in sarcoidosis. Namely, factors predisposing a person to frailty are a multifactorial phenomenon which are also reflected in the lived experience of sarcoidosis; and that early diagnosis, intervention and prevention may alter a course towards more favourable health outcomes. SUMMARY Factors predisposing to frailty in other health conditions may also signal a risk in sarcoidosis. In turn, proactive health preservation - regardless of age - may lead to improved biopsychosocial reserve and health-related quality of life. Fortifying holistic resilience in sarcoidosis is anticipated to reduce risk of the occurrence and prolongation of health-related complications, and facilitate swifter recovery from biophysical complications as well as from psychosocial and emotional stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Ann Saketkoo
- New Orleans Scleroderma and Sarcoidosis Patient Care and Research Center
- University Medical Center - Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center and Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic Programs
- Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary Medicine
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Undergraduate Honors Department, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Russell
- Exeter Respiratory Innovations Center, University of Exeter, Exeter
- Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Devon
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London
| | - Karen C Patterson
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Falmer, UK
| | - Ogugua Ndili Obi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marjolein Drent
- Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht
- ILD CARE Foundation Research Team, Ede, The Netherlands
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Song J, Kang S, Ryff CD. Unpacking Psychological Vulnerabilities in Deaths of Despair. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6480. [PMID: 37569020 PMCID: PMC10418686 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent demographic findings show increased rates of death due to suicide, drug addictions, and alcoholism among midlife white adults of lower socioeconomic status (SES). These have been described as "deaths of despair" though little research has directly assessed psychological vulnerabilities. This study used longitudinal data from the Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS) study to investigate whether low levels of eudaimonic and hedonic well-being predict increased risk of deaths of despair compared to other leading causes of death (cancer, heart disease). The investigation focused on 695 reported deaths with cause of death information obtained from 2004 to 2022 via NDI Plus. Key questions were whether risk for deaths due to despair (suicide, drug addiction, alcoholism) compared to deaths due to cancer or heart disease were differentially predicted by deficiencies in well-being, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Low levels of purpose in life, positive relations with others, personal growth and positive affect predicted significantly greater likelihood of deaths of despair compared to deaths due to heart disease, with such patterns prominent among better-educated adults. The findings bring attention to ongoing intervention efforts to improve psychological well-being.
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Kim ES, Nakamura JS, Strecher VJ, Cole SW. Reduced Epigenetic Age in Older Adults With High Sense of Purpose in Life. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1092-1099. [PMID: 36966357 PMCID: PMC10329221 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial risk factors have been linked with accelerated epigenetic aging, but little is known about whether psychosocial resilience factors (eg, Sense of Purpose in Life) might reduce epigenetic age acceleration. In this study, we tested if older adults who experience high levels of Purpose might show reduced epigenetic age acceleration. We evaluated the relationship between Purpose and epigenetic age acceleration as measured by 13 DNA methylation (DNAm) "epigenetic clocks" assessed in 1 572 older adults from the Health and Retirement Study (mean age 70 years). We quantified the total association between Purpose and DNAm age acceleration as well as the extent to which that total association might be attributable to demographic factors, chronic disease, other psychosocial variables (eg, positive affect), and health-related behaviors (heavy drinking, smoking, physical activity, and body mass index [BMI]). Purpose in Life was associated with reduced epigenetic age acceleration across 4 "second-generation" DNAm clocks optimized for predicting health and longevity (false discovery rate [FDR] q < 0.0001: PhenoAge, GrimAge, Zhang epigenetic mortality index; FDR q < 0.05: DunedinPoAm). These associations were independent of demographic and psychosocial factors, but substantially attenuated after adjusting for health-related behaviors (drinking, smoking, physical activity, and BMI). Purpose showed no significant association with 9 "first-generation" DNAm epigenetic clocks trained on chronological age. Older adults with greater Purpose in Life show "younger" DNAm epigenetic age acceleration. These results may be due in part to associated differences in health-related behaviors. Results suggest new opportunities to reduce biological age acceleration by enhancing Purpose and its behavioral sequelae in late adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julia S Nakamura
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Victor J Strecher
- Department of Health Behavior Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Steven W Cole
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lewis NA, Hill PL. Sense of purpose in life and allostatic load in two longitudinal cohorts. J Psychosom Res 2023; 170:111346. [PMID: 37148605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sense of purpose in life has been linked with better physical health, longevity, and reduced risk for disability and dementia, but the mechanisms linking sense of purpose with diverse health outcomes are unclear. Sense of purpose may promote better physiological regulation in response to stressors and health challenges, leading to lower allostatic load and disease risk over time. The current study examined the association between sense of purpose in life and allostatic load over time in adults over age 50. METHODS Data from the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were used to examine associations between sense of purpose and allostatic load across 8 and 12 years of follow-up, respectively. Blood-based and anthropometric biomarkers were collected at four-year intervals and used to compute allostatic load scores based on clinical cut-off values representing low, moderate, and high risk. RESULTS Population-weighted multilevel models revealed that sense of purpose in life was associated with lower overall levels of allostatic load in HRS, but not in ELSA after adjusting for relevant covariates. Sense of purpose in life did not predict rate of change in allostatic load in either sample. CONCLUSIONS The present investigation supports sense of purpose predicting preserved differentiation of allostatic regulation, with more purposeful individuals demonstrating consistently lower allostatic load over time. Persistent differences in allostatic burden may account for divergent health trajectories between individuals low and high in sense of purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Patrick L Hill
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Podolski OS, Whitfield T, Schaaf L, Cornaro C, Köbe T, Koch S, Wirth M. The Impact of Dance Movement Interventions on Psychological Health in Older Adults without Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:981. [PMID: 37508913 PMCID: PMC10377702 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13070981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle-based multimodal interventions that integrate physical, sensory, cognitive and social enrichment are suggested to promote healthy mental aging and resilience against aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVES This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of dance movement interventions (DMI) as an integrated mind-body activity on outcomes of psychological health in older adults. METHODS Pre-registration was carried out with PROSPERO (CRD42021265112). PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the effects of DMI (>4 weeks' duration) compared to comparators on measures of psychological health (primary outcome) and cognitive function (additional outcome) among older adults without dementia (aged ≥55). Data of 14 primary RCT (n = 983, n-DMI = 494, n-control = 489) were synthesized using a random effects meta-analysis with robust variance estimation. RESULTS DMI had a small positive effect on overall psychological health (g = 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06, 0.53; p = 0.02, I2= 65.04) compared to control conditions. Small effects of DMI on positive and negative psychological domains as well as quality of life were not statistically significant. DMI had a medium positive effect on general cognitive function (g = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.89, p = 0.02, I2= 79.61) over comparators. None of the primary intervention studies evaluated measures of neuroplasticity. CONCLUSIONS We found that DMI was effective in promoting mental health amongst older adults without dementia, suggesting that the multimodal enrichment tool is a potential strategy for health promotion and prevention of AD. High-quality intervention studies are needed to expand evidence on DMI-induced changes in specific psychological domains and identify underlying neurophysiological correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim Whitfield
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Leah Schaaf
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Clara Cornaro
- Research Institute for Creative Arts Therapies (RIArT), Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, 53347 Alfter, Germany
- Faculty of Therapy Sciences, SRH University Heidelberg, 69123 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theresa Köbe
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine Koch
- Research Institute for Creative Arts Therapies (RIArT), Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, 53347 Alfter, Germany
- Faculty of Therapy Sciences, SRH University Heidelberg, 69123 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, CAMTRU, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3006, Australia
| | - Miranka Wirth
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Friedman EM, Teas E. Self-Rated Health and Mortality: Moderation by Purpose in Life. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6171. [PMID: 37372758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Poor self-rated health consistently predicts reduced longevity, even when objective disease conditions and risk factors are considered. Purpose in life is also a reliable predictor of diverse health outcomes, including greater longevity. Given prior work in which we showed that purpose in life moderated the association between chronic conditions and health-related biological factors, the aim of the current study was to examine the role of purpose in life in moderating the relationship between subjective health and mortality. We also examined potential differences in these associations by race/ethnicity. Data were from two large national longitudinal studies-the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study-with a 12- to 14-year follow-up period for mortality estimates. Results of logistic regression analyses showed that purpose in life and self-rated health were both significantly positively associated with longevity, and that purpose in life significantly moderated the relationship between self-rated health and mortality. Stratified analyses showed similar results across all racial/ethnic groups, with the exception of Black MIDUS participants. These results suggest that greater purpose in life may provide a buffer against the greater probability of mortality associated with poor subjective health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot M Friedman
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Elizabeth Teas
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Kim S, Halvorsen C, Han SH. Volunteering and Changes in Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Longitudinal Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad048. [PMID: 37457805 PMCID: PMC10340447 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Growing body of research shows that volunteering is beneficial for those served, the volunteers, and the larger communities. However, major challenges remain that hinder the practical implications for volunteer activity as a public health intervention, including potential selection effects, lack of longitudinal studies that adjust for baseline characteristics, and a paucity of studies that consider multiple physical health outcomes in a single model. Research Design and Methods Data from 2006 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2016) were used (N = 18,847). Outcome-wide analyses were utilized to evaluate if changes in volunteering between 2006/2008 (t0) and 2010/2012 (t1) were associated with 7 cardiovascular disease biomarkers 4 years later (2014/2016, t2). These models were adjusted for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, chronic conditions, baseline biomarkers, and volunteering. Additionally, selection into volunteering and attrition were taken into account. Results Compared with nonvolunteers, volunteering more than 200 hr a year was associated with a lower risk for clinically high diastolic blood pressure. In addition, increased volunteering effort (change from 1 to 99 hr at t0 to >100 hr at t1) was associated with a lower likelihood of clinically high systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Sustained high volunteering (>100 hr at both t0 and t1) was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure. Discussion and Implications The current study adds to the evidence on the health benefits of volunteering for adults 50 and older by inferring a potential causal link between high-intensity volunteering and reduced blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyoun Kim
- Department of Sociology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Cal Halvorsen
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sae Hwang Han
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Bone JK, Fancourt D, Fluharty ME, Paul E, Sonke JK, Bu F. Associations between participation in community arts groups and aspects of wellbeing in older adults in the United States: a propensity score matching analysis. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:1163-1172. [PMID: 35470723 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2068129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: There is a social gradient in both arts engagement and wellbeing that may have led to an overestimation of the impact of arts engagement on wellbeing. We tested whether participation in community arts groups was associated with wellbeing after removing confounding by demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors.Methods: Using propensity score matching, we analyzed data from 12,055 older adults in the Health and Retirement Study. We measured community arts groups participation and concurrent life satisfaction (evaluative wellbeing), positive and negative affect (experienced wellbeing), and purpose in life, constraints on personal control, and mastery (eudaimonic wellbeing).Results: After matching, arts group participation was associated with higher positive affect (average treatment effect on the treated [ATT] = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.12-0.24), life satisfaction (ATT = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.04-0.15), purpose in life (ATT = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02-0.13), and mastery (ATT = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.14) than not participating. Participation was not associated with negative affect or constraints on personal control. In sensitivity analyses, these associations were maintained four years later.Conclusion: Arts group participation was associated with the positive elements of evaluative, experienced, and eudaimonic wellbeing. Facilitating participation in community arts groups could help to promote healthy aging, enabling a growing segment of the population to lead more fulfilling and satisfying lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Bone
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Meg E Fluharty
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elise Paul
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jill K Sonke
- Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Feifei Bu
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, UK
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50
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Dameron E, Goeke-Morey MC. The Relationship between Meaning in Life and the Childhood Family Environment among Emerging Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5945. [PMID: 37297549 PMCID: PMC10252346 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of the childhood family environment on reported meaning in life among emerging adults (n = 507) at a private, urban, religious university. This study found that participants who reported growing up in an emotionally warm family environment ultimately reported more meaning in life as adults and that this effect was mediated by loneliness. This suggests that people from emotionally cold and rejecting early family environments may struggle with meaning in life as adults because they are lonelier. This research contributes a developmental perspective to understanding meaning in life. The public health implications of these findings are discussed. Future research should consider accounting for the effects of early life experiences on meaning in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dameron
- Department of Psychology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA;
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