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Age-related differences in worry and related processes
Paul Basevitz1, Dolores Pushkar, June Chaikelson
1Gilmour Psychological Services, Ottawa, Canada.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|May 30, 2008
Summary
Older adults worry less and tolerate uncertainty better than younger adults. This age-related reduction in worry may stem from increased tolerance for uncertainty and a decreased belief in the value of worrying.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Worry is a common cognitive process in adulthood.
- Age-related changes in psychological processes are not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests potential shifts in worry tendencies with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related reductions in the tendency to worry.
- To compare worry levels between older and younger adults.
- To examine psychological factors (intolerance of uncertainty, beliefs about worry) associated with age differences in worry.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional comparison of older and younger adult samples.
- Retrospective accounts of worry from older adults.
- Assessment of intolerance of uncertainty and beliefs in the functional value of worry.
Main Results:
- Older adults reported significantly less worry than younger adults.
- Age-related reductions in worry were observed in both retrospective and cross-sectional data.
- Older adults exhibited lower intolerance of uncertainty and less belief in the utility of worry.
Conclusions:
- Worry-proneness decreases in late adulthood.
- Increased tolerance for uncertainty and reduced perceived value of worry may explain this age-related decline.
- Developmental and contextual factors likely influence these observed changes.
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