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Aging and Emotional Well-Being After Disasters: Vulnerability and Resilience
JoNell Strough1, Andrew M Parker2, Lynsay Ayer3
1Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
The Gerontologist
|July 20, 2023
Summary
Older adults showed better emotional well-being after hurricanes, contrary to some theories. This suggests age-related strengths can buffer against climate change-related disasters.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Environmental Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Climate change exacerbates weather-related disasters, impacting well-being.
- Investigated age differences in emotional well-being following hurricane exposure.
- Examined competing theories: Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) and Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if older adults experience better emotional well-being after unavoidable hurricane-related stressors.
- To test predictions derived from SST and SAVI regarding age and psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Utilized existing self-report data from a lifespan sample (N=618, ages 18-96) in the U.S. Gulf Coast.
- Collected data on depression, anxiety, trauma, hurricane adversities, self-efficacy, and perceived health before and after hurricane seasons.
- Employed statistical analyses to examine age differences in emotional well-being outcomes.
Main Results:
- Older age was significantly associated with fewer symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- These findings held even after controlling for disaster exposure and other covariates.
- The protective effect of older age on depression was stronger for those experiencing hurricane adversities, contradicting SAVI predictions.
Conclusions:
- Older adults demonstrate resilience and age-related strengths in emotional well-being amidst climate change-induced disasters.
- Findings support SST's emphasis on age-related motivational shifts in buffering psychological distress.
- Highlights the need to consider age-specific strengths in policy and practice for climate crisis adaptation.
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