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Beliefs about aging and illness in a community sample
M L Keller1, H Leventhal, T R Prohaska
1School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53792.
Research in Nursing & Health
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Older adults and younger adults cope differently with illness, potentially due to differing perceptions of aging and its impact on health. This study explored how age influences illness perceptions, revealing common beliefs across age groups about aging and disease susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Psychology
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Recent studies indicate age-related variations in illness coping strategies.
- A less-explored explanation for these differences is the impact of age on illness perceptions.
- Understanding these perceptions is crucial for effective health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how age influences perceptions of illness.
- To examine illness perception dimensions that affect coping behaviors.
- To explore beliefs about aging as a cause of illness and its effect on seriousness, curability, and controllability.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 451 community-dwelling adults aged 20 to 90 years.
- Data collection focused on participants' perceptions of illness in relation to age.
- Analysis explored how age impacts beliefs about disease susceptibility and management.
Main Results:
- All age groups surveyed believed that aging increases susceptibility to disease.
- Respondents across all ages perceived a lowered potential for controlling or curing illnesses as they age.
- A consistent pattern emerged regarding age-related beliefs about illness.
Conclusions:
- Beliefs about aging and illness are prevalent across adult age groups.
- These perceptions may significantly influence health monitoring and coping mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to explore the implications of these age-related beliefs for health outcomes.