Date of Award

1992

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Psychology

Keywords

Psychology, Social.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Although popular stereotypes and some theoretical perspectives (i.e., role theory, loss of personal control) would suggest that old age is a time of lowered psychological well-being, the empirical evidence indicates that the elderly adapt well to life changes, and in some instances, better than younger people. Continuity theory is used as a framework for studying adaptation to life changes and coping in the elderly by integrating personality, the self-concept, and coping mechanisms. Specifically, the roles of personal resources (neuroticism, attitude to aging, and social comparison) and situational resources (social support) were examined. Participants were 33 elderly residents of long-term care facilities, displaying no signs of cognitive impairment and having no history of mental illness. Results indicate that neuroticism and intrapersonal resources are significant predictors of adaptation to long-term care; social support did not contribute significantly. The findings are discussed in terms of continuity theory, and implications for social service programs are considered.Dept. of Psychology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1992 .M277. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 31-04, page: 1956. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1992.

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