1. Psychological Resilience in Older Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
- Author
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Angevaare, Milou J., Joling, Karlijn J., Smalbrugge, Martin, Choi, Hyoungshim, Twisk, Jos W. R., Hertogh, Cees M. P. M., van Hout, Hein P. J., Elderly care medicine, APH - Aging & Later Life, APH - Mental Health, Epidemiology and Data Science, APH - Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, APH - Methodology, and General practice
- Subjects
Health Policy ,General Medicine ,Geriatrics and Gerontology ,General Nursing - Abstract
Objectives: The researchers aimed to (1) explore the occurrence of psychological resilience in the face of a major life stressor and conflict in older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs), and (2) identify factors associated with resilience in this population. Design: Longitudinal cohort study using the Dutch InterRAI-LTCF cohort. Setting and participants: Older residents (≥60 years old) of 21 LTCFs in the Netherlands. Methods: The researchers selected 2 samples of residents who had at least 2 assessments surrounding (1) an incident major life stressor, or (2) incident conflict with other resident or staff. A resilient outcome was operationalized as not having clinically meaningful mood symptoms at the post-stressor assessment and equal or fewer mood symptoms at the post-stressor relative to the pre-stressor assessment. The researchers used 2 resilience outcomes per stressor: 1 based on observer-reported mood symptoms and 1 based on self-reported mood symptoms. The most important factors from among 21 potential resilience factors for each of the 4 operationalizations of resilience were identified using a backward selection procedure with 2-level generalized estimating equations analyses. Results: Forty-eight percent and 50% of residents were resilient in the face of a major life stressor, based on observer-reported (n = 248) and self-reported (n = 211) mood, respectively. In the face of conflict, 26% and 51% of the residents demonstrated resilience, based on the observer-reported (n = 246) and self-reported (n = 183) mood, respectively. Better cognitive functioning, a strong and supportive relationship with family, participation in social activities, and better self-reported health were most strongly associated with resilience in the face of a major life stressor. Better communicative functioning, absence of psychiatric diagnoses, a strong and supportive relationship with family, not being lonely, social engagement, and not reminiscing about life were most strongly associated with resilience in the face of conflict. Conclusions and Implications: Factors with a social aspect appear to be particularly important to psychological resilience in older LTCF residents, and provide a potential target for intervention in the LTCF setting.
- Published
- 2023