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Exploring the relationships among performance-based functional ability, self-rated disability, perceived instrumental
Joyce Weil1, Susan R Hutchinson2, Karen Traxler2
1College of Natural and Health Sciences, Gerontology Program, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA joyce.weil@unco.edu.
Research on Aging
|February 5, 2015
Summary
Physical difficulties mediate the link between functional ability and depression in older adults. This study highlights the importance of considering perceived physical challenges when assessing depression in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Depressive symptomology is a significant concern in older populations.
- Understanding the factors contributing to depression is crucial for effective interventions.
- The disablement process often involves functional decline and psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between performance-based functional ability and depression.
- To examine the mediating roles of self-rated physical difficulties and perceived instrumental support.
- To test a model explaining depressive symptomology in older women.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Women's Health and Aging Study.
- Employed structural equation modeling to test a theoretical model.
- Included performance-based measures of functional ability and self-rated physical difficulties.
Main Results:
- The proposed model demonstrated a good overall fit.
- An indirect relationship was found between performance-based functioning and depression.
- Perceived physical difficulties significantly mediated this relationship.
Conclusions:
- Performance-based functional ability is indirectly associated with depression in older adults.
- Perceived physical difficulties are a key mediator in this association.
- Integrating performance-based and self-rated measures, especially physical difficulties, is vital for understanding depression in the elderly.
