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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
[Coping strategies of older people with low mood]
Margaret von Faber1,2, Gerda M van der Weele3, Geertje van der Geest1
1Afdeling Public Health en Eerstelijnsgeneeskunde, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, Nederland.
Background:
To gain new insights for support for older people with low mood, we explored the perceptions of 'screenpositive' older people on underlying causes and possible solutions.
Design And Method:
We conducted two in-depth interviews with 38 participants (≥77 years) who screened positive for depressive symptoms in general practice. To investigate the influence of the presence of complex health problems, we included 19 persons with and 19 without complex problems. Complex problems were defined as a combination of functional, somatic, psychological or social problems.
Results:
All participants used several cognitive, social or practical coping strategies. Four patterns emerged: mastery, acceptance, ambivalence, and need for support. Some participants, especially those with complex problems, were ambivalent about possible interventions.
Conclusion:
Most older participants perceived their coping strategies as sufficient. General practitioners can support self-management by exploring the (effectiveness of) personal coping strategies, providing information, elaborating on perceptions of risks and discussing alternative options with older persons.
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