Psychological distress as a key component of psychosocial functioning in community-dwelling older people

Authors:
SCHNITTGER Rebecca I. B., et al
Journal article citation:
Aging and Mental Health, 16(1-2), January 2012, pp.199-207.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

Psychological distress is a critical issue affecting the quality of life in older adults with implications for both mental and physical health. The aim of this study was to explore the key components of psychosocial functioning in older adults with a focus on identifying the constituents of psychological distress. Another aim was to examine the relationship between these components and health outcomes such as frailty. The study was conducted at the Technology Research for Independent Living Clinic, a comprehensive geriatric assessment facility in Dublin. As part of a structured clinical assessment, 579 participants completed 9 primary psychosocial measures as well as a broad range of health and demographic secondary assessments. Principal factor analysis identified 3 core dimensions of the construct of psychosocial functioning. The first is related to a core internal component of psychological distress. The 2 other components are related to external and physiological functioning, specifically social support networks and sleep. These components, particularly psychological distress, were found to be associated with health outcomes associated with frailty.

Subject terms:
mental health problems, older people, physical illness, social networks;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Ireland
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1364-6915
ISSN print:
1360-7863

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