Resilience and Self-Compassion: Shields Against Age-Related Declines in Oral Health and Shame.

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the complex relationships between demographic factors, oral health indicators, self-compassion, and psychological well-being among elderly individuals by using a path model analysis. Methods The findings of this cross-sectional study are derived from data collected from a sample of 204 patients, including 120 females and 84 males, aged between 60 and 92 years, with an average age of 74.2 years (SD = 7.1). Participants took part in assessments including the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to measure oral health (physical function, psychosocial function, pain/discomfort), self-compassion scale, and measures of shame and "other as shamer" experiences. Demographic information including age and gender was also collected. Path analysis was employed to examine the direct and indirect effects of demographic variables, oral health indicators, and self-compassion on psychological well-being. Results Older age was consistently associated with poorer oral health outcomes across all GOHAI oral health subscales. However, resilience and self-compassion appear to exert a correspondingly large positive influence, neutralizing the negative effects of increasing age on physical and psychosocial aspects of oral health-related quality of life. Additionally, resilience was positively associated with better physical and psychosocial function related to oral health while oral health was confirmed to be related to internal and external (social) shame. However, resilience and self-compassion outperformed oral health as far as their effect on internal and external (social) shame is concerned. Gender had minimal effects on most outcome variables. Conclusions The findings underscore the importance of addressing both physical and psychological aspects of health in elderly care and oral health interventions. By promoting psychological resilience and self-compassion, healthcare providers can potentially enhance oral health-related quality of life and overall well-being among elderly populations. Our results also highlight that promoting social and leisure activities may be a means of improving mental well-being, enhancing oral health outcomes, and reducing shame-related distress among elderly individuals.