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Mindfulness, Experiential Avoidance, and Affective Experience in Older Adults
McKenna M Pierson1, Anne I Roche2, Natalie L Denburg1
1Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.
Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science
|August 25, 2020
Summary
Mindfulness facets like acting with awareness and nonreactivity boost positive affect in older adults. Experiential avoidance, however, is linked to increased negative affect, highlighting key factors for well-being in later life.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Well-being Research
Background:
- Subjective well-being comprises affective experience and life satisfaction.
- Older adulthood presents challenges that can negatively impact well-being.
- Identifying protective factors for older adults' well-being is crucial due to demographic shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between acceptance and mindfulness processes and affect in older adults.
- To identify specific facets of mindfulness that contribute to positive affect.
- To examine the role of experiential avoidance in negative affect among older adults.
Main Methods:
- Study included 85 healthy older adults.
- Participants completed self-report measures of mindfulness, experiential avoidance, and affect.
- Linear regression analyses were used to assess associations.
Main Results:
- The 'act with awareness' and 'nonreactivity' facets of mindfulness were significantly associated with positive affect.
- Higher levels of experiential avoidance predicted greater negative affect.
- Mindfulness and acceptance processes play a role in older adults' affective experiences.
Conclusions:
- Specific mindfulness facets are key to positive affect in older adults.
- Reducing experiential avoidance may mitigate negative affect.
- Findings inform potential targeted interventions for well-being in later life.
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