Coping and Life Satisfaction in Colombian Older Adults.

Maria-Fernanda Reyes,Encarnación Satorres,Iraida Delhom,Alexandra Bueno-Pacheco,Juan C Meléndez

doi:10.3390/ijerph182010584

Abstract

Background. Effective coping strategies facilitate older adults’ optimal adaptation and contribute to their well-being. Problem-focused strategies are associated with active styles and enhance well-being. This study analyzes the role of coping strategies in Colombian older adults’ subjective well-being (SWB) using structural equation modelling. Additionally, Confirmatory Factor Analyses of the Life Satisfaction Scale and Coping Strategies Questionnaires are performed. Method. A cross-sectional study is conducted with 455 Colombian older adults, ranging from 65 to 92 years old. Results. The results show that problem-focused coping has a positive effect on SWB, whereas emotion-focused coping has a negative effect on SWB. Conclusions. This article highlights the relationship between effective coping and life satisfaction by showing that problem-focused coping strategies are adaptative and enhance well-being during aging.

Highlights

Theory and empirical research suggest evidence for both stability and change in subjective well-being across the lifespan [3]
The results showed significant and positive correlations between problem solving and positive re-evaluation and life satisfaction, and a negative association between negative auto-focused coping and life satisfaction
We proposed that coping would be related to subjective well-being (SWB), and that the types of coping would be related differently to SWB

Summary

Introduction

Subjective well-being (SWB) involves people’s appraisals and evaluations of their own lives [1] It includes both reflective cognitive judgments, such as life satisfaction, and emotional responses to ongoing life, in terms of positive and pleasant emotions versus unpleasant and negative emotions [2]. The study of SWB at different ages frequently characterizes it as a U-shaped curve that is the highest in youth, declining to its nadir in midlife, with an upswing after that [4]. This pattern holds for life satisfaction, positive emotions, and the lack of negative emotions [5]. Research findings suggest that the older populations, generally less healthy and less productive, might be more satisfied with their lives and experience less stress, worry, and anger than middle-aged people [7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion