The Stress Moderating Role of Benefit Finding on Psychological Distress and Well-being among Women Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract Objective Older adults’ health and well-being may suffer due to prolonged social isolation leading to loneliness and increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to address the role of benefit-finding, defined as the capacity to derive meaning and positive aspects from stressful situations, in older adults’ adaptation to the effects of quarantine. Methods 421 participants aged 50 or above in China participated in an online survey to study the effects of quarantine on loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction, and the moderating role of benefit-finding. Results The results showed that quarantine was basically unrelated to any outcome. Further analysis showed, however, that the effect of quarantine varied by levels of benefit-finding. Only people with lower benefit-finding reported a higher level of loneliness, perceived stress, anxiety and depression, but no relationships were found at higher benefit-finding. Conclusions The findings extended our understanding of the role of benefit-finding in buffering the negative impact of adversity on older people. By mitigating the effects of prolonged social isolation, benefit-finding served as a protective factor in older people’s adaptation to the sequelae of this pandemic.

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‘Pain on Top of Pain, Hurtness on Top of Hurtness’: Social Discrimination, Psychological Well-Being, and Sexual Risk Among Women Living With HIV/AIDS

International Journal of Sexual Health ◽

10.1080/19317611.2010.482412 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 205-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Michelle Teti ◽

Lisa Bowleg ◽

Linda Lloyd

Keyword(s):

Sexual Risk ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Discrimination ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Women Living With Hiv ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Aids

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Ageism and Psychological Distress in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem and Body Image

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/07334648211009658 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482110096

Author(s):

Yoav S. Bergman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Body Image ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Self Image ◽

Physical Consequences ◽

Age Range ◽

Moderating Role

Ageist attitudes have been associated with negative physical consequences and psychological distress among older adults. Although holding a positive self-image and body image contributes to well-being among older adults, their combined effect on the consequences of ageism has not been examined. Accordingly, the current study examines the moderating role of both variables on the connection between ageism and psychological distress among older adults. Data were collected from 383 older adults (age range = 60–90; M = 71.44; SD = 6.62), who filled out scales assessing ageism, self-esteem, body image, and psychological distress. Psychological distress was associated with reduced self-esteem and body image. In line with the moderation hypothesis, the ageism–distress link remained significant only for individuals with low levels of both self-esteem and body image. The discussion highlights the relevance of both self-esteem and body image as important personal resources which may buffer the connection between ageism and psychological distress among older adults.

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Meta-analytic review on the differential effects of self-compassion components on well-being and psychological distress: The moderating role of dialecticism on self-compassion

Clinical Psychology Review ◽

10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101986 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 101986

Author(s):

Floria H.N. Chio ◽

Winnie W.S. Mak ◽

Ben C.L. Yu

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Differential Effects ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Analytic Review ◽

Moderating Role

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Understanding the Experience of HIV/AIDS for Women: Implications for Occupational Therapists

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/000841740507200206 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 72 (2) ◽

pp. 113-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Christine Beauregard ◽

Patty Solomon

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Women Living With Hiv ◽

Women's Lives ◽

And Coping ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Aids

Background. Within the past few years, HIV/AIDS has shifted from being an acute, palliative disease to one that is more chronic and episodic in nature. This shift has major implications for the role of occupational therapy in women's lives. Very few studies, however, have examined the perspective of women living with HIV/AIDS from an occupational therapy perspective. Purpose. This qualitative study was designed to examine the experiences of five women living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Ontario and to begin to explore the implications of these findings for occupational therapy. Method. Through the implementation of five in-depth interviews, a phenomenological approach was used to explore the lived experience of women with HIV/AIDS. Results. Four main themes emerged: fearing disclosure, experiencing challenges (physical and psychological), having supportive networks, and coping positively with being HIV positive (spirituality and opportunity for living and learning). Practice Implications. There are several potential roles for occupational therapy in working with women who are living with HIV/AIDS More studies need to be pursued in this area of rehabilitation.

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