Opinions and Experiences of National Iranian Oil Company Retirees on Psychological Wellbeing: A Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

Objective: Mental health refers to emotional balance and social adjustment, feeling comfortable, the absence of mental illness, the integration of personality, and the knowledge of self and the environment. This study aimed to investigate the opinions and experiences of Iranian Oil Company retirees about psychological wellbeing. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the grounded theory approach. The participants in this study were 15 retired senior managers of the National Iranian Oil Company in Tehran who were selected through purposive sampling based on the theoretical saturation criterion in 2021. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss method (1998). Results: Data analysis revealed three selective codes, 11 axial codes, and 67 open codes. The selective codes include self-coherence and the balance between life needs and satisfaction with the current situation, contextual factors promoting psychological health in older adults, and the process of achieving psychological health and wellbeing in older adults. Conclusion: The insights from present research can be used for developing and implementing therapeutic and educational models for elders and recognizing retirement concerns. In addition, understanding the opinions and experiences of the psychological wellbeing of elders helps the healthcare system and social welfare professionals to realize the retirees’ psychological needs.