Problem-solving variability in older spouses: how is it linked to problem-, person-, and couple-characteristics?
Christiane A Hoppmann1, Fredda Blanchard-Fields
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. choppmann@psych.ubc.ca
Psychology and Aging
|June 29, 2011
Summary
Everyday problem-solving is influenced by the specific situation and social context. Older adults engage in more collaborative coping for social problems, with personality traits like Neuroticism affecting their approach.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Problem-solving is often a social process, involving partners like spouses.
- Understanding variability in daily problem-solving requires examining contextual factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sources of variability in everyday problem-solving among older spouses.
- To explore the links between problem-solving and problem, person, and couple characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized repeated daily life assessments from 98 older couples (average age 72).
- Employed multilevel modeling to analyze problem-solving variability and associated factors.
Main Results:
- Most problem-solving variability originates from the specific problem situation.
- Social problems elicited more proactive emotion regulation and collaborative problem-solving.
- Higher Neuroticism in older adults correlated with more problems and less instrumental/more passive coping.
Conclusions:
- Everyday problem-solving is dynamic and context-dependent, influenced by the immediate situation.
- Examining problem-solving within the natural environment of spouses provides valuable insights.
- Personality traits significantly impact coping strategies in older adults.
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