Strengths in older adults: differential effect of savoring, gratitude and optimism on well-being

Aging & Mental Health
Isabel María Salces-CuberoAna Raquel Ortega-Martínez

Abstract

Objetive: The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of three separate strengths training-based interventions - Gratitude, Savoring, and Optimism - in older adults. Method: The sample comprised 124 older adults, namely, 74 women and 50 men, non-institutionalized individuals who regularly attend day centers in the provinces of Jaén and Córdoba, southern Spain. Their ages ranged between 60 and 89 years. The measures used were Anxiety, Depression, Life Satisfaction, Positive and Negative Affect, Subjective Happiness, and Resilience. Results: Training in Gratitude and Savoring increased scores in Life Satisfaction, Positive Affect, Subjective Happiness and Resilience, and reduced Negative Affect, whereas training in Optimism failed to produce a significant change in these variables. The Savoring and Optimism interventions decreased scores in Depression but, contrary to hypothesis, this was not the case for Gratitude. Conclusion: These results represent an important step in understanding what type of strengths work best when it comes to enhancing well-being in older adults and consequently helping them tackle the challenges of everyday life and recover as quickly as possible from the adverse situations and events that may arise.

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Citations

Sep 4, 2019·Journal of Applied Gerontology : the Official Journal of the Southern Gerontological Society·Jennifer L SmithCatherine J O'Brien
Aug 28, 2019·International Journal of Older People Nursing·Susan WaterworthAaron Jarden
May 7, 2020·International Journal of Aging & Human Development·Fred B BryantJennifer L Smith
Dec 17, 2019·Health & Social Care in the Community·Susan WaterworthAaron Jarden
Aug 13, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Raquel LaraDébora Godoy-Izquierdo
Mar 18, 2021·Journal of Pain Research·Calia A MoraisEmily J Bartley
Aug 29, 2021·Stress and Health : Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress·Sébastien FerrandezLouna Vankenhove

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