Empathy and Coping: Older Adults’ Social Encounters and Mood Throughout the Day

Abstract Scholars have proposed empathy as a key characteristic of strong social ties, but little is known about the role empathy plays when tensions occur in these ties. We examined whether older adults’ empathy was associated with their (a) coping strategies for interpersonal tensions, and (b) momentary mood when tensions occurred throughout the day. Data were from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study. Older adults (n = 302) rated empathy, reported avoidant, constructive, and destructive coping strategies, and indicated tensions and mood every 3 hours each day over 5 to 6 days. More empathic older adults used constructive strategies more often and destructive strategies less often than less empathic older adults. Interpersonal tensions were associated with reduced positive mood throughout the day, but this link was attenuated by older adults’ empathy. This study advances our understanding of empathy and social experiences in later life with a focus on the negative moments.

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Empathy and Coping: Older Adults’ Interpersonal Tensions and Mood throughout the Day

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000511418 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Meng Huo ◽

Yee To Ng ◽

Kira S. Birditt ◽

Karen L. Fingerman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Service Providers ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Baseline Survey ◽

Buffering Effect ◽

Daily Experiences ◽

The Face ◽

And Coping

Introduction: Scholars have proposed that empathy is a key feature of strong social ties, but less is known about the role empathy plays when tensions arise. Objective: We examined whether older adults’ empathy was associated with (a) coping strategies for interpersonal tensions, and (b) mood when there were tensions throughout the day. We also explored whether coping strategies explained the potential buffering effect of empathy on older adults’ momentary mood. Methods: Older adults (N = 302) from the Daily Experiences and Well-Being Study completed a baseline survey on empathy and coping strategies. They also completed ecological momentary assessments every 3 hours each day for 5–6 days, which included questions about interpersonal tensions and mood. This study considered tensions with close partners (e.g., family and friends) and with non-close partners (e.g., acquaintances and service providers). Results: In the face of interpersonal tensions, more empathic older adults reported using more constructive and less destructive coping strategies than less empathic older adults, regardless of their closeness to social partners. Being more empathic also buffered older adults’ mood when tensions occurred with close partners, but this buffering effect was not mediated by older adults’ general preference for coping strategies. Conclusion: This study advances our understanding of empathy and interpersonal tensions in later life, with a focus on daily experiences.

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Daily social media use, social ties, and emotional well-being in later life

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/02654075211067254 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 026540752110672

Author(s):

Yijung K Kim ◽

Karen L Fingerman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Media ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Ties ◽

Media Use ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Media Use ◽

Social Network Structure ◽

Social Encounters

Older American adults are increasingly utilizing communication technologies, but research has seldom explored older adults’ daily social media use and its interface with other “offline” social ties. To explore a complementary and/or compensatory function of social media in later life, this study employed data from the Daily Experiences and Well-Being Study (2016–2017) to examine associations between daily social media use, daily social encounters, social network structure, and daily mood. Community-dwelling older adults ( N = 310; Mage = 73.96) reported on their overall social network structure (diversity in types of social ties and size of network), their daily social encounters in-person and by phone, social media use, and emotional well-being for 5 to 6 days. Multilevel models revealed that daily social media use was associated with daily mood in the context of daily social encounters and the size of the social network. Individuals reported less negative mood on days with more social media use and more in-person encounters. More daily social media use was associated with more positive mood for individuals with a relatively small social network but not for their counterparts with larger social networks. Findings suggest that social media is a distinct form of social resource in later life that may complement the emotional benefits of daily social encounters and compensate for the age-related reduction in social network size. Future research should consider how socially isolated older adults might use computer-mediated communication such as social media to foster a sense of social connection.

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Daily Social Media Use, Social Ties, and Emotional Well-Being in Later Life

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 301-302

Author(s):

Karen Fingerman ◽

Yijung Kim

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Media ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Ties ◽

Media Use ◽

Negative Mood ◽

Positive Mood ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Media Use

Abstract Research has seldom explored older adults’ daily social media use and its interface with ‘offline’ social ties. Using data from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study (N = 310; Mage = 73.96), we investigated whether more daily social media use was associated with the same-day negative or positive mood in later life, and how these associations varied with older adults’ daily social encounters and social network structure. More daily social media use was associated with less same-day negative mood. Additionally, more daily social media use was associated with less negative mood on days with more in-person encounters, compared to the days with fewer in-person encounters. More daily social media use was also associated with more positive mood for individuals with a relatively small social network, but not for their counterparts. Post-hoc analyses supported a compensatory function of social media for those older adults lacking social connections in their daily lives.

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Empathy and Close Social Ties in Late Life

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/gbz044 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 75 (8) ◽

pp. 1648-1657

Author(s):

Meng Huo ◽

Jamie L Fuentecilla ◽

Kira S Birditt ◽

Karen L Fingerman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Ties ◽

Well Being ◽

Network Size ◽

Social Experiences ◽

Social Worlds ◽

Daily Experiences ◽

Social Network Structure ◽

Social Partners

Abstract Objectives Older adults with stronger social ties often lead longer, healthier, and happier lives, but these ties may differ based on older adults’ ability to share and understand others’ emotions (i.e., empathy). This study asked how empathy was associated with the way that older adults construct and engage in their social worlds. Method We drew on the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study to examine how older adults’ empathy was associated with the structure (e.g., network size and contact), function (e.g., support), and quality (e.g., affection and conflict) of their close social ties. Participants (N = 333) self-rated empathy and listed their social partners using three concentric convoy circles. Results Empathy was not associated with older adults’ social network structure, but more empathic older adults exchanged support with more social partners and reported greater affection for their social partners. We did not observe a significant link between older adults’ empathy and conflict with social partners. Discussion Examining empathy advances our understanding of individual differences in older adults’ close social ties. This study suggests that empathy may play a promising role with regard to promoting older adults’ social experiences and strengthening their close ties.

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EXPANDING SOCIAL TIES AS A GOAL IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.623 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S175-S175

Author(s):

Danielle Oleskiewicz ◽

Karen Rook

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Ties ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Support Provision ◽

Network Characteristics ◽

Network Composition

Abstract Older adults often winnow their social ties to focus on emotionally rewarding ties (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). Some older adults, however, have small social networks that preclude much winnowing or aversive social ties from which disengagement is difficult. These individuals might be motivated to expand, rather than contract, their social ties. The current study sought to extend knowledge regarding potential links between social network characteristics and older adults’ interest, effort, and success in creating new social ties. We expected that small social networks and negative social ties might motivate interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties but that positive social ties might foster success in efforts to form new ties. In-person interviews were conducted with participants (N = 351, Mean age = 74.16) in a larger study of older adults’ social networks and well-being. The interviews assessed participants’ social networks, as well as their interest, effort, and success in making new social ties. Participants’ social network composition, rather than size, was associated with greater motivation to establish new social ties. Negative social ties were associated with greater interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties. Positive social ties were related to greater success (due, in part, to their support provision) and, unexpectedly, were also related to greater interest and effort directed toward forming new ties. Older adults sometimes seek to expand, rather than contract, their social ties, and characteristics of their social networks appear to play a role in fueling and influencing the success of such efforts.

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204 - Psychological distress and support needs of community residing older adults in urban India – An exploratory study

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610221001381 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. 8-9

Author(s):

Jayashree Dasgupta ◽

Meenakshi Chopra

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Well Being ◽

Support Needs ◽

Urban India ◽

And Coping

Background:COVID pandemic in India, lockdowns and an unprepared health system has affected wellbeing of older adults. Low public awareness about mental health issues and stigma also contribute to low help seeking. Exploring impact of COVID on mental health of older adults and understanding support needs is essential.Research Objective:To examine mental wellbeing and coping strategies used by urban community residing older adults during the pandemic in India.Method:As part of an ongoing community engagement initiative with older adults and their families, an online survey was conducted during the first wave of the pandemic in April/May 2020. Sociodemographic details and information on coping strategies were gathered. The five-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to screen for psychological distress and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were contacted again in May 2021 during the second COVID wave for a telephonic interview to understand current levels of distress and coping strategies. Consent was taken for audio recording and interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:Respondents (N=54) aged between 40-86 years (Mn = 60; SD = 18.9). Majority were male (61%), retired or homemakers (57%) and widowed/unmarried (52%). Of the sample 70% had one or more pre-existing medical conditions. A score of ≥ 2 on GHQ in 66% respondents indicates psychological distress. Stressors included health and well-being of family (62%), difficulty managing household work (42%) and increase in family conflicts (17%). Although 72% discussed their worries with family/friends, only 25% considered speaking with a mental health professional indicating low help seeking. Of respondents contacted again, 40% citied ill health or being busy as reasons for refusal to participate. Of those who agreed, 33% reported psychological distress. In-depth interviews, showed use of online mental wellness sessions and yoga/meditation to be beneficial coping strategies. Need for more online support groups was also highlighted.Conclusion:Psychological distress is present amongst community residing older adults in urban India. A change in attitude towards tele mental health must be leveraged to provide support for adults experiencing psychological distress.

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Social Encounters and Mood: The Moderating Role of Narcissism

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.961 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 250-250

Author(s):

Karen Fingerman ◽

Shiyang Zhang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Multilevel Models ◽

Negative Mood ◽

Positive Mood ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Contacts ◽

Social Partners ◽

Social Encounters ◽

Ecological Momentary

Abstract Social contacts may lead to more positive and less negative emotions in late life, yet we know little about how narcissism influences such associations, and whether contacts with close and not-close social partners impact mood differently. This study examined associations between social contacts, narcissism, and mood on the within- and between- person level. Older adults aged 65 + (N = 303) completed ecological momentary assessments in which they reported social contacts and mood every 3 hours for 5 to 6 days. Older adults had higher positive mood after contacting either close or not-close social partners, but only not-close social partners reduced negative mood. Multilevel models found positive associations between average social contacts number and positive mood among people scored lower on narcissism, and positive associations between social contacts and negative mood for those who scored higher on narcissism. Findings suggest the necessity of considering interpersonal differences in interventions targeting well-being.

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Need to Belong and Social Ties in Late Life

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3323 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 926-926

Author(s):

Zexi Zhou ◽

Yijung Kim ◽

Shiyang Zhang ◽

Karen Fingerman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Ties ◽

Late Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Weak Ties ◽

Similar Amount ◽

Need To Belong ◽

Social Encounters

Abstract According to socioemotional selectivity theory, older adults are more selective and tend to shrink their social network to their closest ties. However, a heightened need to belong, which is characterized by a stronger desire for acceptance and motivation to affiliation, may alter this common pattern. We know little about how the need to belong shapes social network structure, especially in late life. This study investigated the associations between the need to belong, size of social network, and engagement with social ties among older adults. Participants (N = 314) aged over 65 years from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study completed a baseline interview regarding their close ties (i.e., social convoy members), and weak ties, as well as a self-report measure of need to belong. They completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys reporting their social encounters every 3 hours over 5 to 6 days. Need to belong was unrelated to the number of close ties. In contrast, participants with a higher need to belong reported more less close (but still important) ties and weak ties than those with a lower need to belong, but spent a similar amount of time (i.e., proportion of EMA involving social encounters) with either their close ties or weak ties. These results suggest that the need to belong may motivate older adults to go beyond their closest ties to weaker ties, and highlight the discrepancies between the sense of being connected to social partners and the actual engagement with them in this process.

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Transitions in loneliness in later life: the role of social comparisons and coping strategies

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x20001634 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-22

Author(s):

Deborah Morgan ◽

Vanessa Burholt ◽

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Social Comparison ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Social Comparisons ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Life Study ◽

Age Related ◽

Adaptive Consequences

Abstract This study explored the coping strategies and social comparisons used by older adults on different loneliness trajectories (decreased loneliness, stable loneliness and degenerating loneliness). The adaptive consequences of social comparison in later life are recognised as an important strategy for preserving life satisfaction regardless of age-related losses. Coping strategies are also important in managing loneliness. Narrative interviews were conducted with lonely older adults (N = 11) who had participated in Wave One of the Maintaining Function and Well-being in Later Life Study Wales (CFAS Wales). The study found key differences in the coping strategies employed by older adults on different loneliness trajectories. Differences in coping styles between those who reported decreased loneliness and those who were chronically lonely stemmed from perceptions as to whether loneliness was modifiable or not. Different types of social comparison were also found to modulate the loneliness experience. The findings indicate that higher-order strategies (problem, emotional and meaning focused) are not distinct entities but are part of a dynamic process. The management of loneliness in later life may be dependent on several factors, including older adults’ interpretations of the cause of loneliness. These interpretations will have implications for interventions aimed at alleviating chronic loneliness, where the focus may have to be on changing older adult's perceptions of unmodifiable loneliness.

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Older adults’ empathy and daily support exchanges

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships ◽

10.1177/0265407519837372 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (11-12) ◽

pp. 3814-3834 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Meng Huo ◽

Jamie L. Fuentecilla ◽

Kira S. Birditt ◽

Karen L. Fingerman

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Positive Mood ◽

Well Being ◽

Instrumental Support ◽

Daily Experiences ◽

Social Partners

Older adults’ empathy may shape the frequency and types of support that they exchange with their social partners as well as the implications of these exchanges. This study drew on the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study, which included adults aged 65 and over and tracked them across 5–6 days using mobile phone surveys. Participants ( n = 293) rated their empathy and reported their daily support exchanges (e.g., emotional support, instrumental support, advice) as well as mood. Findings showed that more empathic older adults provided each type of support more often. They also received more emotional support than less empathic older adults. Moreover, older adults’ empathy moderated the associations between providing support and their daily mood. More empathic older adults maintained their mood regardless of whether they provided support. By contrast, less empathic older adults reported reduced positive mood on days when they provided emotional support and increased positive mood when they provided instrumental support. Greater empathy is associated with more frequent support exchanges; however, more empathic older adults appear immune to such exchanges in terms of their mood. Interestingly, less empathic older adults may find providing emotional support draining but instrumental support rewarding, probably because they are less equipped to cope with others’ emotions.

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