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The role of ego integrity and despair in older adults’ well-being during the COVID-19 crisis: the mediating role of need-based experiences

Author

Listed:
  • Jolene van der Kaap-Deeder

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU))

  • Branko Vermote

    (Ghent University)

  • Joachim Waterschoot

    (Ghent University)

  • Bart Soenens

    (Ghent University)

  • Sofie Morbée

    (Ghent University)

  • Maarten Vansteenkiste

    (Ghent University)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people across the world, with important heterogeneity among older adults in how they respond to the challenges associated with this crisis. Relying on a cross-fertilization between Erikson’s personality theory and self-determination theory, this study aimed to examine possible sources of resilience (i.e., ego integrity and need satisfaction) and vulnerability (i.e., despair) in older adults’ (mal) adjustment, thereby additionally considering the role of multiple risk and protective factors (e.g., gender and marital status). During the second month of the lockdown period in Belgium, 693 older adults (Mage = 70.06, SD = 4.48, range: 65–89 years, 62.1% female) filled out online questionnaires concerning the study variables, while also completing assessments of several important sociodemographic factors. Structural equation modeling suggested that both ego integrity and despair related to indicators of well-being and psychological distress through experienced need satisfaction. Additionally, we found several factors to protect (e.g., higher perceived income) or diminish (e.g., being widowed) older adults’ well-being during these challenging times, with little evidence for a moderating role of these factors in associations between the psychological variables. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Jolene van der Kaap-Deeder & Branko Vermote & Joachim Waterschoot & Bart Soenens & Sofie Morbée & Maarten Vansteenkiste, 2022. "The role of ego integrity and despair in older adults’ well-being during the COVID-19 crisis: the mediating role of need-based experiences," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 117-129, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:19:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s10433-021-00610-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00610-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andreas B. Neubauer & Oliver K. Schilling & Hans-Werner Wahl, 2017. "What Do We Need at the End of Life? Competence, but not Autonomy, Predicts Intraindividual Fluctuations in Subjective Well-Being in Very Old Age," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(3), pages 425-435.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lindsy Desmet & Jessie Dezutter & Anne Vandenhoeck & Annemie Dillen, 2022. "Religious Coping Styles and Depressive Symptoms in Geriatric Patients: Understanding the Relationship through Experiences of Integrity and Despair," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Branko Vermote & Sofie Morbée & Bart Soenens & Maarten Vansteenkiste & Joachim Waterschoot & Wim Beyers & Jolene Kaap-Deeder, 2023. "How Do Late Adults Experience Meaning During the COVID-19 Lockdown? The Role of Intrinsic Goals," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(5), pages 1759-1780, June.

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