A life-span approach to examining older vulnerable population's subjective well-being: the role of adversity and trauma. (1st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Mai See; Hedeker, Donald
• Is Part Of: Aging & mental health. Volume 24:Number 12(2020)
• Page Start: 2043
• Page End: 2052
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01
• Subjects: Adversity -- trauma -- social support -- parental support -- subjective well-being; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aged -- psychology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; Mental Health Services -- periodicals; Aging -- psychology -- periodicals; Aged, 80 and over -- psychology -- periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1652245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7863

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Using the life course guidance, the goal of this study was to examine the degree to which previously experienced adversity and trauma was associated with subjective well-being among older adults. Methods: Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1992–2012) was used to examine these trends over time. We used multilevel models to test for specific individual change across time. The study sample included older community dwellers aged 55 and over ( N = 5, 649). Results: In terms of early childhood adversities, 77% experienced at least one trauma and 72% experienced at least one trauma in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences and adulthood trauma were predictors of depressive symptoms, poorer self-rated health, and worse life satisfaction. Older black, other race, and Hispanic groups have poorer subjective well-being overtime compared to whites. Conclusion: Findings suggested exposure to childhood adversities and adulthood trauma increases depressive symptoms, poor self-rated health, and low satisfaction of life over time. Findings from this study provide insight into how life course exposure of adversity and trauma among older adults showed a negative trend over time.