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Cognitive coping and depressive symptoms in the elderly: a longitudinal study
V Kraaij1, E Pruymboom, N Garnefski
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. Kraaij@fsw.LeidenUniv.nl
Aging & Mental Health
|September 10, 2002
Summary
Older adults experiencing depression utilize maladaptive coping strategies like acceptance and catastrophizing more often. Interventions should promote adaptive strategies for better mental health in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are a significant concern in the elderly population.
- Cognitive coping strategies are thought to influence emotional well-being in later life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between cognitive coping strategies and depressive symptoms in older adults.
- To identify specific cognitive strategies associated with depression in late life.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study followed 99 community-dwelling individuals aged 67 and older.
- Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), cognitive emotion regulation, and negative life events.
Main Results:
- Elderly individuals with higher depressive symptoms reported increased use of acceptance, rumination, and catastrophizing.
- Conversely, higher depression scores were associated with lower use of positive reappraisal.
- Acceptance and positive reappraisal remained significant predictors of current depressive symptoms after controlling for negative life events and prior depression.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive coping strategies play a crucial role in the manifestation of depressive symptoms in old age.
- Intervention programs should target maladaptive strategies (e.g., rumination, catastrophizing) and promote adaptive ones (e.g., positive reappraisal).
- Findings align with principles of cognitive therapies for managing depression in older adults.