Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Relationship among physical impairment, distress, and well-being in older adults
A J Zautra1, B M Maxwell, J W Reich
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287.
Abstract:
The relationship between activity limitation and self-report on a variety of mental health measures was investigated through a longitudinal study of 124 noninstitutionalized older adults between 60 and 80 years of age, recruited either as recently disabled (N = 62) or as a matched control (N = 62). Fifty-five of these respondents (disabled, n = 28; controls, n = 27) selected persons who could be contacted to provide informant informations. Results showed the relationship between disability and mental health measures to be highly significant and stable across time. Further older adults classified as severely disabled experienced higher levels of anxiety, suicidal ideation, and overall distress than did the moderately disabled participants. Evidence was found for reciprocal causal relationships between health and mental health. Informants' reports supported findings based on self-report.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Importance of Need for Affiliation

