The importance of promoting self-actualization among older adults: Key determinants of mental health and clinical implications

Abstract

Background: With the aging of the population, mental well-being in late adulthood has become an increasingly relevant issue. A notable concept related to this matter in clinical psychology and development is ego integrity, which refers to a person’s ability to look back on their life with a sense of fulfilment. It is conceived as a form of self-actualization among older adults. Ego integrity has been shown to play a protective role against mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression and to increase psychological well-being. Despite their significance, no research has synthesized the recent findings on self-actualization and ego integrity among older adults, and few interventions are based on this construct.Methodology: This systematic integrative review provides a panorama and an updated perspective on the factors associated with ego integrity and self-actualization among older adults, and paves the way for interventions and therapies that can be implemented in nursing homes. The literature from the last decade was examined across five databases using the PRISMA guidelines, and 34 relevant articles were synthesized.Findings and Clinical Implications: Five key themes emerged: demographic factors, life review and reminiscence, existential factors, psychological and mental health factors, and spirituality and religiosity. This review indicates that ego integrity plays a protective role against the mental health outcomes of depression, anxiety, and fear of death, and is associated with greater resilience, life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning and purpose. Additionally, higher levels of spirituality, higher levels of social support, and being married seem to contribute to self-actualization among older adults, which, in turn, promotes better mental health. Lastly, the review suggests that reminiscence therapies, psychospiritual and existential interventions, and preventive measures can help develop self-actualization in late adulthood. Consequently, the implementation of these interventions in nursing homes and similar facilities can help older adults achieve better well-being and mental health outcomes.Conclusion: This review highlights the importance of self-actualization in the care of the elderly and links theoretical knowledge to practical implications. It provides insights into ways of promoting psychological well-being and mental health in late adulthood and suggests potential intervention avenues. These insights can be used in various social and healthcare settings, including nursing homes, to provide better care and support for older adults.