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Meaning in Life among Older Adults: An Integrative Model

Author

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  • Lee Greenblatt-Kimron

    (School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

  • Maya Kagan

    (School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

  • Ester Zychlinski

    (School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

Abstract

Meaning in life (MIL) among older adults has a significant physical and mental health impact. This study aimed to present an integrative model of factors that contribute to variability in MIL among older adults, including background characteristics (gender, age, employment status, religiosity), personality characteristics (locus of control, self-efficacy, optimism), and psycho-social factors (psychological distress and loneliness). Participants (751 older adults, M age = 72.27, SD = 6.28; 446 female, 305 male) responded to a questionnaire in-person or online. Measures included: demographic variables, Short Scale for the Assessment of Locus of Control, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Life Orientation Test–Revised, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Hughes Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness. Hierarchical regression revealed that younger and religious older adults reported higher MIL levels than older and non-religious older adults. Internal locus of control, higher self-efficacy, and higher optimism were linked to higher MIL levels. Higher psychological distress and loneliness were associated with lower MIL levels, with psychological distress contributing the most of all variables in the study model to explain the variance in MIL among older adults. Employed older old adults reported lower MIL levels than those unemployed. The study emphasizes the importance of an integrative approach in the examination of MIL among older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee Greenblatt-Kimron & Maya Kagan & Ester Zychlinski, 2022. "Meaning in Life among Older Adults: An Integrative Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16762-:d:1002731
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    2. Catherine Chittleborough & Helen Winefield & Tiffany Gill & Carmen Koster & Anne Taylor, 2011. "Age differences in associations between psychological distress and chronic conditions," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 56(1), pages 71-80, February.
    3. Mariagiovanna Caprara & Laura Di Giunta & José Bermúdez & Gian Vittorio Caprara, 2020. "How self-efficacy beliefs in dealing with negative emotions are associated to negative affect and to life satisfaction across gender and age," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(11), pages 1-17, November.
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    1. Anabela Coelho & Manuel Lopes & Marta Barata & Sofia Sousa & Margarida Goes & Florbela Bia & Ana Dias & Ana João & Leonel Lusquinhos & Henrique Oliveira & Tânia Gaspar, 2023. "Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence the Purpose in Life among Working Adults and Retirees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-14, April.

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