Mona Moieni1, Teresa E Seeman2, Theodore F Robles1, Matthew D Lieberman1, Stephanie Okimoto3, Clara Lengacher1, Michael R Irwin4, Naomi I Eisenberger1. 1. Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles. 2. Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. 3. UCLA Clinical and Translational Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. 4. Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Beliefs about aging can contribute to health and well-being in older adults. Feeling generative, or that one is caring for and contributing to the well-being of others, can also impact health and well-being. In this study, we hypothesized that those with more positive expectations regarding aging (ERA) in the mental health domain would report greater levels of perceived social support (PSS) and lower levels of loneliness in response to a generativity intervention (vs control condition). METHOD: Participants in this study (n = 73, 100% female) were randomly assigned to a 6-week generativity condition, which involved writing about life experiences and sharing advice with others, or to a control condition, which involved writing about neutral topics. Pre- and postintervention, PSS, and feelings of loneliness were measured. RESULTS: Those in the generativity condition with more positive ERA in the mental health domain reported greater PSS and lower loneliness postintervention. DISCUSSION: These results highlight the importance of psychological factors, such as ERA, in moderating the efficacy of interventions to promote social well-being in older adults.
OBJECTIVES: Beliefs about aging can contribute to health and well-being in older adults. Feeling generative, or that one is caring for and contributing to the well-being of others, can also impact health and well-being. In this study, we hypothesized that those with more positive expectations regarding aging (ERA) in the mental health domain would report greater levels of perceived social support (PSS) and lower levels of loneliness in response to a generativity intervention (vs control condition). METHOD: Participants in this study (n = 73, 100% female) were randomly assigned to a 6-week generativity condition, which involved writing about life experiences and sharing advice with others, or to a control condition, which involved writing about neutral topics. Pre- and postintervention, PSS, and feelings of loneliness were measured. RESULTS: Those in the generativity condition with more positive ERA in the mental health domain reported greater PSS and lower loneliness postintervention. DISCUSSION: These results highlight the importance of psychological factors, such as ERA, in moderating the efficacy of interventions to promote social well-being in older adults.
Authors: Tara L Gruenewald; Elizabeth K Tanner; Linda P Fried; Michelle C Carlson; Qian-Li Xue; Jeanine M Parisi; George W Rebok; Lisa M Yarnell; Teresa E Seeman Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2015-02-25 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Linda P Fried; Michelle C Carlson; Marc Freedman; Kevin D Frick; Thomas A Glass; Joel Hill; Sylvia McGill; George W Rebok; Teresa Seeman; James Tielsch; Barbara A Wasik; Scott Zeger Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 3.671