Trait Hope and Preparation for Future Care Needs among Older Adult Primary Care Patients. Issue 2 (14th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Southerland, Jodi L.; Slawson, Deborah L.; Pack, Robert; Sörensen, Silvia; Lyness, Jeffrey M.; Hirsch, Jameson K.
• Is Part Of: Clinical gerontologist. Volume 39:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2016-03-14
• Subjects: Goal-directed behavior -- older adults -- preparation for future care needs -- trait hope; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health services -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2015.1120254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-7115

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : We examined associations between trait hope and preparation for future care needs (PFCN) among 66 older adult primary care patients in western New York. Methods : Participants completed a questionnaire assessing PFCN (awareness, information gathering, decision-making, concrete planning, and avoidance), and the Adult Trait Hope Scale. Results : In multivariate regressions, lower hope, particularly less agency, was associated with more awareness of needing care, whereas higher hopefulness, particularly pathways thinking, was associated with increased decision-making and concrete planning. Conclusions : Greater hopefulness appears to be linked to goal-directed planning behaviors, although those with lower hope may actually be more aware of the need for planning. Evidence-based programming that encourages learned hopefulness may contribute to enhanced health planning and decision-making among older adult primary care patients.