Positive and Negative Psychological States and Economic Status as Mediators of the Relationship of Education to Fatigue Among Older Adults

Abstract

The objective was to examine psychological and economic variables as differential mediators of the relationship of education to fatigue-related aspects of health. A probability sample of 1,175 older adults (aged 55+) were interviewed three times at 6-month intervals. Multiple regression was used to estimate mediation effects. The psychological measures had relatively stronger mediating effects on high fatigue symptoms than on low fatigue symptoms and had stronger effects on high fatigue than did economic mediators. Education contributions to fatigue appear to operate through both economic and psychological resources. Calmness (“peace of mind”) showed particular promise as a mediator. Positive psychological states appeared to have mediating effects independent of the effects of negative states. Findings suggest that different types of mediators may have differential effects for different aspects of health.