Relationship between subjective well-being and behavioral inhibition/activation system of older adults

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between subjective well-being (SWB) and behavioral inhibition/activation system (BIS/BAS) of older adults. Methods Using cluster sampling method and convenient random sampling method respectively for older adults in the nursing home and living home, we got 185 older subjects; then using BIS/BAS scale and SWB scale to test 185 older adults by oral questionnaire interviews face to face. Results (1) The SWB average score was 27.39±10.96, the BIS average score was 11.29±4.30, the BAS average score was 32.96±9.13. The SWB of older adults had a significant difference between older adults in the nursing (29.81±9.91) and living home (25.09±11.47) (t=-2.69, P<0.01). The negative experience of SWB had significant differences between older adults in the nursing (4.25±3.37) and living home (4.25±3.37) (t=3.58, P<0.01), and also between males (4.25±3.37) and females (5.91±3.83) (t=-1.96, P<0.05). The BAS fun seeking had a significant gender difference (t=2.05, P<0.05), which was higher in males (12.60±3.48) than in females (11.40±3.67). (2) BAS was positively correlated with SWB (r=0.40, P<0.01), and BIS was negatively correlated with SWB (r=-0.40, P<0.01). (3) The BAS drive could forecast the 19% variance of SWB. Conclusion BIS/BAS are correlated with SWB for older adults and the BAS drive is one of factors contributing to the SWB of older adults. Key words: Behavioral inhibition system; Behavioral activation system; Subjective well-being; Older adults