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[Attachment-related self evaluation and well-being in the elderly].
Katja Petrowski1, Silke Schmidt, Yve Stöbel-Richter
1Klinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden. katja.petrowski@tu-dresden.de
Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, Medizinische Psychologie
|July 11, 2012
Summary
Attachment styles significantly impact well-being in older adults. Lower trust and fear of partner loss are linked to poorer health outcomes, especially in widowed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Social Science
Context:
- Focuses on elderly individuals aged 60 and above (N=555; 53% female).
- Examines the role of attachment styles in well-being within this demographic.
- Compares attachment-related self-evaluation between widowed and married elderly participants.
Purpose:
- To investigate the significance of attachment-related self-evaluation for the psychic and physical well-being of older adults.
- To identify specific attachment characteristics that predict well-being in the elderly.
- To explore the relationship between marital status (widowed vs. married) and attachment patterns.
Summary:
- Attachment-related self-evaluation, measured by the German Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), is crucial for elderly well-being.
- Widowed elderly reported lower reliance on others and reduced need for closeness compared to married individuals.
- Lower trust in others and fear of losing a partner predicted diminished well-being in older adults.
- Depressive symptoms in widowed elderly were partially attributed to low trust.
Impact:
- Findings highlight attachment self-evaluation as a key psychic resource for maintaining well-being in later life.
- Identifies specific vulnerabilities (low trust, fear of loss) associated with lower well-being in the elderly.
- Suggests potential targets for interventions aimed at improving mental and physical health in aging populations.
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