scholarly journals Steeling or sensitizing? A longitudinal examination of how ongoing accumulation of negative life events affects depressive symptoms in older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almar A L Kok ◽  
Jos W R Twisk ◽  
Fenneke Blom ◽  
Aartjan T F Beekman ◽  
Martijn Huisman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Negative Life Events ◽  
Interaction Effects ◽  
Severity Scores ◽  
Measurement Wave ◽  
Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽  
Aging Study

Abstract Objectives To examine whether: 1) as people age, accumulation of negative events increases (‘sensitizing’) or decreases (‘steeling’) the detrimental effects of subsequent events on depressive symptoms, and 2) how particular psychosocial factors are associated with the strength of these steeling or sensitizing effects. Method We used data from six measurement waves from 2,069 adults aged 55-84 (M=68.0) at baseline in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We included 18 different life events across the life course. Using hybrid multilevel models, we tested whether the effects of proximate life events (<3 years) on depressive symptoms (measured by the CES-D) were moderated by previous cumulative events (childhood until previous measurement wave). Additionally, we tested whether education, mastery, emotional support, neuroticism, having strong faith, and loneliness were associated with the strength of steeling/sensitizing effects. Results Cumulative and proximate life events were independently associated with more depressive symptoms. Interaction effects indicated that the more cumulative life events, the weaker the effects of recent life events, suggesting a ‘steeling’ effect. Unexpectedly, three-way interaction effects showed that higher mastery and lower neuroticism were associated with weaker steeling effects. These effects were predominantly attributable to within-person changes rather than to fixed between-person differences. Results from analyses with event severity scores were similar. Conclusions As a population, older adults appear to become more resilient against new stressors as they accumulate experience in dealing with negative life events. Findings on mastery tentatively suggest that accepting limits to one’s own control over life circumstances may foster a steeling effect.

The associations between family characteristics and depressive symptoms in older adults: a community-based survey in rural China

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1226-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanhong Gong ◽  
Xiaopiao Wen ◽  
Chaoping Guan ◽  
Zhiqing Wang ◽  
Yuan Liang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Negative Life Events ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Family Characteristics ◽  
Negative Life Event ◽  
The Past

ABSTRACTBackground: The aim of the current study was to investigate the associations between family characteristics and depressive symptoms, and provide new evidence and recommendations for prevention and intervention in the depressive symptoms of older adults.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted door-to-door, utilizing a sample of 1,317 individuals aged 60 years and above in rural China. The five family characteristic variables recorded were: living with spouse, living with descendant, support of family members, self-reported family economic status in the previous year, and family-related negative life events that occurred anytime in the past with a continuous psychological effect during the past 12 months. Gender, age, years of schooling, and self-rated physical health status were taken as potential confounders. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine independent effects on depressive symptoms.Results: In addition to the potential confounders, only family-related negative life events, support of family members, and self-reported family economic status had significant effects on depressive symptoms in older adults. Experiencing a family-related negative life event was the most significant variable (OR = 11.70, 95% CI: 7.72–17.73), the second was support of family members (OR = 6.93, 95% CI: 3.26–14.70), while family economic status was less important than support of family members (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.08–5.25).Conclusion: This study, from the perspective of family characteristics on depressive symptoms in older adults, showed a strong correlation between being exposed to harmful family environments and depressive symptoms among the elderly. Efforts to address family risk factors and strengthen family cohesiveness deserve a higher priority, given the importance of these factors, compared with other efforts such as promoting economic development.

scholarly journals Negative Life Events, Social Ties, and Depressive Symptoms for Older Adults in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Hangqing Ruan ◽  
Feinian Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Negative Life Events ◽  
Old Age Support ◽  
Social Survey ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Negative life events are considered important risk factors of depression among older adults. An overwhelming amount of literature suggests that individuals with the most supportive social relations tend to make a better recovery from stressful life events. As for which types of ties matter the most, whether being family, relatives, friends or the broader community, existing literature is much less consistent and has documented varying effects across different contexts. This study is set in China, which traditionally relies on family systems and filial obligations for old-age support. Using two waves of data from China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, we examine the protective effect of different types of social relations on depressive symptoms, including those who are living in the household, children who live close by or far away, as well as their ties with family, relatives, and friends.

scholarly journals Which categories of social and lifestyle activities moderate the association between negative life events and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Japan?

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuriko Katsumata ◽  
Asuna Arai ◽  
Kozo Ishida ◽  
Masashi Tomimori ◽  
Romeo B. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Negative Life Events ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Significant Variable ◽  
Human Relationships ◽  
Lifestyle Activities

ABSTRACTBackground: Social and lifestyle activities may serve as potential moderators of the association between negative life events (NLEs) and depressive symptoms among older adults. In this study, we examined whether social and lifestyle activities moderate the association between NLEs and depressive symptoms among older adults, and which activities are significant moderators.Methods: The data came from a community-based sample of non-institutionalized adults aged 65 years or older. Of the 731 eligible older adults, 682 completed the Japanese version of the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale. We measured 15 specific negative life events as well as 17 social and lifestyle activities which were grouped into four categories.Results: Specific NLEs pertaining to human relationships, physical condition and financial status were all or were mostly associated with depressive symptoms. Significant moderating roles of social and lifestyle activities on the association of NLEs with depressive symptoms were observed between “loss of a significant other” and “contact with family members and friends” (β = −0.282, SE = 0.091, p = 0.002); “change in human relationships” and “contact with family members and friends” (β = −0.270, SE = 0.137, p = 0.048); and “change in human relationships” and “community involvement” (β = −0.344, SE = 0.133, p = 0.010).Conclusions: The most statistically significant variable moderating the associations between negative life events and depressive symptoms was “having frequent contact with family members”. Depressive symptoms arising from troublesome interpersonal relationships in one's proximal network might be moderated by positive interpersonal relationships.

scholarly journals Depressive symptoms and time perspective in older adults: associations beyond personality and negative life events

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1674-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Åström ◽  
Michael Rönnlund ◽  
Rolf Adolfsson ◽  
Maria Grazia Carelli
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Time Perspective ◽  
Negative Life Events

scholarly journals Do major life events influence physical activity among older adults: the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margot A Koeneman ◽  
Mai JM Chinapaw ◽  
Marieke W Verheijden ◽  
Theo G van Tilburg ◽  
Marjolein Visser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Major Life Events ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Longitudinal Aging Study

scholarly journals Late-Life Depressive Symptoms, Religiousness, and Mood in the Last Week of Life

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Arjan W. Braam ◽  
Marianne Klinkenberg ◽  
Henrike Galenkamp ◽  
Dorly J. H. Deeg
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Depressed Mood ◽  
Church Attendance ◽  
Church Membership ◽  
Life After Death ◽  
Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Longitudinal Aging Study

Aim of the current study is to examine whether previous depressive symptoms modify possible effects of religiousness on mood in the last week of life. After-death interviews with proxy respondents of deceased sample members of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam provided information on depressed mood in the last week of life, as well as on the presence of a sense of peace with the approaching end of life. Other characteristics were derived from interviews with the sample members when still alive. Significant interactions were identified between measures of religiousness and previous depressive symptoms (CES-D scores) in their associations with mood in the last week of life. Among those withpreviousdepressive symptoms, church-membership, church-attendance and salience of religion were associated with a greater likelihood of depressed mood in the last week of life. Among thosewithoutprevious depressive symptoms, church-attendance and salience of religion were associated with a higher likelihood of a sense of peace. For older adults in the last phase of life, supportive effects of religiousness were more or less expected. Fore those with recent depressive symptoms, however, religiousness might involve a component of existential doubt.

scholarly journals Older adults report cancellation or avoidance of medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah A. Schuster ◽  
Sascha de Breij ◽  
Laura A. Schaap ◽  
Natasja M. van Schoor ◽  
Mike J. L. Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Hospital Outpatient ◽  
Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Longitudinal Aging Study

Abstract Purpose Delay of routine medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic may have serious consequences for the health and functioning of older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate whether older adults reported cancellation or avoidance of medical care during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore associations with health and socio-demographic characteristics. Methods Cross-sectional data of 880 older adults aged ≥ 62 years (mean age 73.4 years, 50.3% female) were used from the COVID-19 questionnaire of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, a cohort study among community-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands. Cancellation and avoidance of care were assessed by self-report, and covered questions on cancellation of primary care (general practitioner), cancellation of hospital outpatient care, and postponed help-seeking. Respondent characteristics included age, sex, educational level, loneliness, depression, anxiety, frailty, multimorbidity and information on quarantine. Results 35% of the sample reported cancellations due to the COVID-19 situation, either initiated by the respondent (12%) or by healthcare professionals (29%). Postponed help-seeking was reported by 8% of the sample. Multimorbidity was associated with healthcare-initiated cancellations (primary care OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.09–3.50; hospital OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.28–2.74) and respondent-initiated hospital outpatient cancellations (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.04–4.12). Depressive symptoms were associated with postponed help-seeking (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06–1.24). Conclusion About one third of the study sample reported cancellation or avoidance of medical care during the first months of the pandemic, and this was more common among those with multiple chronic conditions. How this impacts outcomes in the long term should be investigated in future research.

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