Discrete Emotion Profiles in Old Age: Stability and Change for Better or Worse. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wrosch, Carsten; Barlow, Meaghan; Kunzmann, Ute; Hamm, Jeremy
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 575
• Page End: 576
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.2195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Although discrete emotions can change in salience across adulthood, little is known about developmental shifts in the co-occurrence of multiple discrete emotions. The present study (n=389, Mage=73) adopted a person-centered approach to identify stability and change in commonly-occurring profiles of calmness, excitement, sadness, and anger. Daily emotions were assessed over 1-week periods at baseline and two years later. Latent class analyses yielded consistent 3-profile solutions at both waves: a positive emotion (high calmness-moderate excitement-low sadness and anger), a mixed emotion (moderate/high calmness-moderate excitement, sadness, and anger), and an apathetic emotion profile (low calmness, excitement, sadness, and anger). Latent transition analyses revealed both stability (82% remained in the same profile) and change (18% changed profiles) in profile membership. Higher baseline optimism and fewer chronic conditions were associated with adaptive changes in profile membership. Findings point to the importance of considering the co-occurrence of distinct emotions in studying emotional aging.