Psychological adjustment variables as predictors of mortality among nursing home residents.

Mortality over a 4-year period was examined in relation to self-esteem, depression, life satisfaction, and meaning in life in a nonclinical sample of 129 intermediate-care nursing home residents. Survival was associated with the psychological adjustment variables, and the effect persisted after statistically controlling for age, sex, and physical health. Self-evaluations (self-esteem and depression) were stronger predictors of mortality than were general life evaluations (life satisfaction and meaning in life). Comparisons with previous studies suggest conditions under which psychological variables are likely to be associated with mortality.