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Cross-sectional age differences and longitudinal change on the Bradburn Affect Balance Scale
1Department of Psychology, University of Calgary.
Journal of Gerontology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
This study on psychological well-being found that while older adults report higher well-being, both positive and negative affect decrease with age. Affective changes are small, but well-being increases, supporting a two-factor theory.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Affective Science
Background:
- Psychological well-being and affect are crucial aspects of aging.
- Understanding age-related changes in affect is important for mental health.
- The Bradburn Affect Balance Scale is a key instrument for measuring affect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine cross-sectional age differences in psychological well-being, positive affect, and negative affect.
- To investigate longitudinal changes in these variables over time.
- To evaluate the two-factor theory of psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1,159 participants surveyed in 1971 and 1985.
- Employed cross-sectional analyses to compare different age cohorts.
- Conducted longitudinal analyses to track changes within individuals over time.
Main Results:
- Older cohorts reported higher overall well-being but lower positive and negative affect.
- Longitudinal data revealed small decreases in positive and negative affect, with increased well-being.
- Negative affect demonstrated the largest effect size; affect changes varied by age group.
Conclusions:
- Age-related changes in affect are present but relatively small.
- Correlational stability of affect with age was a prominent finding.
- Results support the two-factor theory of psychological well-being.