HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE: EMOTION REGULATION OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS. (16th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morgen, K; Rosenwein, D; Reiner, A; McMahon, K; Yuhct, G; Dellamo, D; Lyman, K; Pierson, M
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 937
• Page End: 937
• Publication Date: 2018-11-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy031.3482
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Examining the cognitive styles via which Holocaust survivors engage with anxiety or depression symptoms (e.g., Sharon et al., 2009) is a valuable contribution to the literature. Consequently, this poster presents data on the relationship between cognitive processing styles and anxiety and/or depression symptoms within 39 Holocaust survivors (M age=87.47 years, SD=6.81 years) who participate in psychosocial services at a community-based agency. Anxiety was measured via the Geriatric Anxiety Scale-10 item (Segal, 2015) with depression via the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short form (Sheikh et al., 1986); both with higher scores reflecting greater anxiety or depressed mood. Cognitive styles was measured via the cognitive-reappraisal (CA) and expressive-suppression (ES) subscales of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. CA reflects how an individual cognitively processes negative emotions whereas ES reflects how an individual suppresses thoughts/emotions as opposed to processing and expressing. The Holocaust survivor population is diminishing in numbers (Grave-Lazi, 2018) so small-sample analyses become the norm with community-based studies. Following Bujang et al. (2017) and the use of R-square for effect size, a three-variable regression model would require 30 participants for adequate effect size. Multiple linear regression models (with bootstrapping) found a significant/negative predictive relationship between CA and anxiety (p<.001) and CA and depression (p<.01). Both indicated that increased CA predicted less anxiety or depressive symptoms whereas reduced use of CA predicted greater levels of anxiety/depression. ES was not a significant predictor of anxiety or depression. Results to be discussed in the context of psychosocial community services with Holocaust survivors and other older adult populations.