Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Gender and psychological well-being in older adults
M Pilar Matud1, Juan Manuel Bethencourth1, Ignacio Ibáñez1
1Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain.
Objectives:
Gender is an important social determinant of health, but gender has played only a marginal role in the geriatric and gerontology research and practice. The aim of this study was to examine the relevance of gender to the psychological well-being of older adults.
Design:
A cross-sectional study was conducted.
Setting:
The study was carried out in Spain.
Participants:
A total of 1,201 people aged between 65 and 94.
Measurements:
The participants completed sociodemographic data and four questionnaires: The Bem sex role inventory, the Ryff's psychological well-being scale, the York self-esteem inventory, and the Social support scale.
Results:
Men scored higher than women in self-acceptance, autonomy, purpose in life, and environmental mastery. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that, although the most important predictors of psychological well-being in both women and men were self-esteem and social support, both masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits were associated with higher psychological well-being, although the effect size was higher for the masculine/instrumental trait. Furthermore, education was associated with psychological well-being in the case of females.
Conclusions:
Gender plays an important role in the psychological well-being of older adults. The results of this research are relevant for healthcare providers and policy-makers interested in promoting successful aging and increasing the well-being of older people.
Related Concept Videos
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Psychological Responses to Stress
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

