Impact of negative life changes and losses on subjective life quality: Buffering effects or age and residual life time

Author(s): Brandtstadter, J.

Journal/Book: Z Klin Psychol Forsch Praxis. 1998; 27: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe & Huber Publishers. 86-92.

Abstract: The present study explored the assumption that the emotional impact of positive or negative life changes depends on age and age-related factors - particularly on residual life time - as moderating conditions. From a base sample of N = 896 participants in the age range from 58 to 82 years, cross-sectional and longitudinal data on subjective life quality and on positive or negative developmental states were obtained. Findings indicate that age tended to dampen the negative impact of aversive developmental states on subjective quality of life. Perceived residual life time showed the opposite effect despite the negative correlation between residual life time and chronological age. Accordingly, palliative effects of age on the emotional impact of loss were not mediated, but rather tended to be neutralized by a fading of perceived residual life time. Additional findings hint that a disposition to flexibly adjust goals to situational constraints strengthens the resilience against losses and deficits in later life.

Note: Article Rothermund K, Univ Trier, Fachbereich Psychol 1, D-54286 Trier, GERMANY

Keyword(s): aging; life expectancy; time perspective; life-satisfaction; coping with loss; resilience; AGING SELF; ADJUSTMENT

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