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Measuring psychological well-being: insights from Thai elders
- Authors:
- INGERSOLL-DAYTON Berit, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 44(5), October 2004, pp.596-604.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Psychological well-being, an important indicator of successful aging, may be conceptualized quite differently across cultures. Using a mixed-methods approach, we developed a measure of psychological well-being based on the indigenous expertise of Thai elders. Data were collected from older people in Thailand in four stages with staggered qualitative and quantitative methods: individual and focus group interviews (n = 67); a preliminary survey (n = 477); cognitive interviews (n = 30); and a second survey (n = 460). We analyzed the resulting psychological well-being items to identify their underlying factor structure and psychometric properties. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested that psychological well-being has two components: intrapersonal and interpersonal. The subscales for this measure have adequate reliability and validity. This research provides evidence for cultural variability in the nature of psychological well-being and highlights the importance of developing measures that are culturally relevant.
Etic and emic perspectives on aging across four countries: Italy, Thailand, Botswana, and the United States
- Authors:
- KARLIN Nancy J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing International, 39(4), 2014, pp.348-368.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
Elders’ experiences while ageing in place were obtained as part of an effort to develop a typology of emic (culture-specific) and etic (universal) models of ageing. Data came from interviews with older adults in Italy, Thailand, Botswana, and the United States. Analysis of variance was used to examine similarities and differences in the samples. Comparing country data from the four collection sites, similarities were indicated for participants’ marital status, and having children and grandchildren. Differences were evident for the number of children and grandchildren, level of reported health and happiness, overall satisfaction with life, type of pension received, whether benefits are sufficient, the availability of extra revenue, and the number of daily and weekly activities indicated. Findings highlight the diverse cross-national ageing experience of elders in this study. As worldwide demographic change leads to older populations and there are shifts in societal norms (in family involvement in caregiving, health care, and policy development), there is a dire need to understand how these changes impact elders at emic (culture/country-specific) and etic (universal) levels. (Edited publisher abstract)
Gender and wellbeing among older people: evidence from Thailand
- Authors:
- SOBIESZCZYK Teresa, KNODEL John, CHAYOVAN Napaporn
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 23(6), November 2003, pp.701-735.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Researchers and international organisations frequently suggest that older women are disadvantaged in comparison with older men. This analysis of census and survey data from Thailand, however, indicates a far more complex association between gender and various aspects of ageing. Through an examination of various demographic, economic, psychosocial and health variables, it is found that older Thai women do face certain disadvantages compared to their male counterparts, including lower education and literacy, far higher levels of widowhood and living alone, and a lower likelihood of receiving formal retirement benefits. Older Thai men, however, also face relative disadvantages, including worse survivorship, a lower likelihood of receiving money from adult children, a greater probability of debt and other financial problems, and lower satisfaction with their financial situation. Many other demographic, psychosocial and economic measures are not significantly associated with gender. This analysis provides some support for a lifecourse perspective, that relates gender differences in old age to differences in earlier life experiences, roles and reward structures, particularly access to retirement pensions and the type of support older men and women provide for their co-resident children. Marital status often mediates gender differences in wellbeing among older people. The study concludes with research and policy recommendations.